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County commissioners voted 5-0 last week to contract with animal control professionals to ensure reliable services for Chisago County’s various domestic pet problems.  The sheriff and his chief deputy presented and recommended a contract with Companion Animal Care & Control in Oakdale.  The details were looked at in a budget committee meeting the Press attended two weeks ago. The final vote in support was taken November 20.

Companion Animal Care & Control can address a number of ongoing local concerns. It is offering a host of 24/7 response, impound and other services for 2026 for a contract amount of $44,230.  The space at the Oakdale company’s shelter must be secured immediately, however, Sheriff Brandon Thyen explained,  as animal-involved calls are on the increase and multiple government units already contract with this service provider.  Companion Animal Care & Control is aligned with Washington, Anoka, Ramsey county municipalities and  St Croix and Pierce counties in Wisconsin. 

Sheriff Thyen said the “retainer’ in the contract guarantees there will be kennel accommodations, transport and related personnel.  The company is highly qualified and capable of providing full service that Chisago County is sorely in need of.  

Thyen explained an operation based in Mora is full and Northwoods Humane Society isn’t equipped nor does it have the space for county needs. There are no other similar operations in this immediate area, the Board heard.

Lacking the kennel space and equipment (chip reader for example)  sheriff patrol staff  don’t have resources to follow-up on the calls that come in on dangerous dogs (or cats), that are causing property damage or raising public safety issues.  Sheriff Thyen said at least five to 10 complex dangerous dog incidents arise annually, not to mention calls from citizens who contact 9-1-1 for less serious  dog-related concerns or reporting strays.

The six cities that contract for sheriff patrol hours will see the company services’ costs baked into their fees— but this will be added after 2026 because contracts and city levies/budgets are fairly firm by this time of the year.  The six contracted municipal sheriff cars will be covered for 2026 animal control  by the sheriff’s budget.

They should plan on an estimated $1.40 extra per hour in  city contract fees in the contracts for 2027, the sheriff said.

County Administrator Chase Burnham said the county has a dangerous dog ordinance (for criminal prosecution for attacks, serious bad behavior) that’s been a hassle to implement. Having this company provide response and follow-up is going to be cost effective.  The county lacks the ability to quarantine animals that have to be monitored.  It doesn’t have a tool to identify strays and dispatching a deputy for a nuisance dog is not a good use of that person’s time and conflicts with higher priority incidents.

Chief Deputy Justin Woods explained that a report about an emergency situation, a nuisance or abandoned animal will be redirected to Companion Animal Care. 

Their mileage and other expenses are included in the $44,230 for the coming year.

Pet owners that can be identified will be expected to pay some or all costs as fines or fees, as well.

Sheriff Thyen stressed he really wants to get started and see what issues, if any, arise in the first year and also what level of revenues come in from enforcing license, reclaiming and other fees.  The contract will get a full review at the end of 2026. 

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