City of Davenport to end service agreement with Humane Society of Scott County

(February 4, 2026) The City of Davenport will end its animal control and sheltering service agreement with the Humane Society of Scott County at the end of 2026. After extensive negotiations, the City and the Humane Society mutually agreed that a new long-term contract could not be reached.

Alderwoman Jade Burkholder notified the City Council during the Committee of the Whole meeting on February 4, 2026. She served as the Council's liaison during the negotiations.

"I believe the City has made every reasonable attempt to maintain this partnership. We worked to reduce costs, improve operations, and provide in-kind support," said Alderwoman Burkholder. "Despite those efforts, the funding levels requested exceeded what the City can responsibly commit to without greater certainty and predictability for taxpayers."

Background on service agreement negotiations

In August 2023, one year into a three-year service agreement, new leadership at the Humane Society notified the City that the contract was no longer sustainable and requested a funding increase from $400,000 a year to $1.2 million a year. The City agreed to pay $800,000 for one year, plus $50,000 for a fundraising consultant, along with the creation of a task force to evaluate necessary ordinance changes for operational efficiency.

The task force offered recommendations that the Davenport City Council adopted as ordinances to support Humane Society's mission, including adjustments to hold periods, increased claim fees, and a Trap-Neuter-Return program for community cats. The City also asked for, but did not receive, detailed operational cost information to ensure the funding tied directly to the service agreement and City code. Ultimately, the City cannot responsibly support animal care services where costs are unpredictable, without a clear understanding of how that money is spent.

"The City of Davenport appreciates the years of service provided by the Humane Society of Scott County," said Nicole Gleason, Assistant City Administrator. "We hope that our shared commitment to animal welfare continues, regardless of the structure of future partnerships."

The City will now work collaboratively with the Humane Society to transition services in a way that balances compassionate animal care with fiscal responsibility. The Humane Society will continue to provide animal services through the end of the year. At this time, the City does not anticipate any interruption in services.