San Bernardino County Department of Public Health (DPH) Animal Care (AC) is seeking applications from interested and qualified non-profit organizations to conduct undomesticated burro services in all unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, as authorized by Senate Bill 371.

Services may involve removal, relocation to a facility or for private adoption, and medical care of Undomesticated Burros. This fee-for-service contract will be for a two (2) year period of May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2026 with an option to extend.

A total maximum amount not to exceed $100,000 is being offered.

Applications are now being accepted!

Applications must be received no later than than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024. Please review the full application below.

San Bernardino County Department of Public Health (DPH) Animal Care (AC) is seeking applications from interested and qualified non-profit organizations to conduct services for undomesticated burros in service areas.

Services will be provided in the County’s Animal Care service areas (i.e., all the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, except for the West End unincorporated communities [i.e., West of I-15, south of Mt. Baldy]).

Senate Bill 371 passed in January 2024 allowing non-profit organizations to partner with Animal Control agencies to support with providing services to undomesticated burros not protected by the federal government under the federal Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act (Chapter 30 (commencing with Section 1331) of Title 16 of the United States Code).

No, a contractor may apply for one aspect of this service. For example, they are able to apply to support with helping provide medical care or sterilization or adoption services.

Undomesticated Burro Services flyer

Undomesticated Burro Services Requested

The awarded Contractor(s) must agree to the service descriptions listed below:

  • Support with the removal of undomesticated burros that stray onto private land. The contractor will be responsible for obtaining property owner consent prior to providing any service on private land.
  • Support with the removal of undomesticated burros that stray onto public roadways within the service area (i.e., not state or municipality-maintained roads).
  • Provide medical care or euthanasia when medically appropriate, as determined by the County, to undomesticated burros, which may include sterilization if mutually agreed upon.
  • Relocate undomesticated burros that are unfit for a facility and/or support with private adoptions of eligible burros. The County has the sole authority to deem the animal unfit or fit for release. The contractor shall make recommendations to the County on proposed outcomes.
  • Contractor shall assume responsibility for the undomesticated burro upon capture.
  • Ability to provide San Bernardino County with documentation of the location of every undomesticated burro provided a service, type of service provided, and outcome on a monthly basis.
  • Set up temporary corrals as needed for temporary holding of undomesticated burros prior to removal or relocation. The County may provide recommendations or support with locations as needed.
  • Support with the development of and/or review of community education materials related to the services provided, intent of the service, and outcomes of the service.

Candidates must possess the following:

  • Contractor must be a private, nonprofit organization that qualifies for exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.
  • At least two years of experience providing wildlife management services with a preference of direct experience in the wrangling and care of undomesticated burros.
  • Ability and capacity to provide the services described above, including relevant contracts or partnerships with wranglers, sanctuaries, and adoption agencies required to perform the requested undomesticated burro services.
  • Contract with appropriate veterinary services, including but not limited to, the provision of equine medical care.
  • Familiarity with state and federal regulations and laws related to the care and transport of undomesticated burros in the State of California.
  • Submission of Euthanasia Policy compliant with Section 2030 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations.