REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION June 9, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 West 2nd St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Animal Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryan Clinton, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Travis County Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Whitney Holt, D5 Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 Erin Ferguson, D8 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Koby Ahmed, Mayor AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on April 14, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Services Office. 3. Staff briefing regarding an update on the implementation of the Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025 to 2030. Presentation by Juany Torres, Strategic Plan Project Manager, Animal Services Office. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion regarding the 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review for the Animal Advisory Commission. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Community Cats Processing Working Group regarding the work completed since February 2025. 6. Update from the Long Distance Adoption Working Group regarding the work completed since March 2025. 7. Update from the Good Fix Marketing Working Group regarding the last three meetings and accomplishments so far. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Approve updates to the membership of the Good Fix Working Group. 9. Conduct officer election for Chair. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact …
Animal Advisory Commission Minutes April 14, 2025 ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 14, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on April 14, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Linder called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Erin Ferguson, D8 Luis Herrera, D6 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Jo Anne Norton, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Nancy Nemer, Travis County Whitney Holt, D5 Commissioners Absent: Sarah Huddleston, D9 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Julie Oliver – Dog water and cleaning process at AAC Rochelle Vickery – Dog and cat rescue Pat Valls-Trelles – Speaker rules and working group updates APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on March 10, 2025. 1 Animal Advisory Commission Minutes April 14, 2025 The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting on March 10, 2025, was approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Vice Chair Linder’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Chair Clinton abstained. Commissioner Hoke was off the dais. Commissioner Huddleston was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer. Commissioner Herrera and Chair Clinton asked for the distribution of the data and final report regarding Good Fix. 3. Staff briefing regarding the implementation of new shelter software at the Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation by Austin Pets Alive! regarding license agreement reports. The presentation was made by Stephanie Bilbro, Austin Pets Alive! Director of Operations. 5. Discussion regarding the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget including a review of budget requests made by the Animal Services Office and the process for Fiscal Year 2026 budget development. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Conduct officer elections for the Chair, Vice Chair, and Parliamentarian. The motion to approve Commissioner Nilson as Chair failed on Commissioner Norton’s motion, Commissioner Nilson’s second, on a 5-5 vote. Those voting aye were: Commissioners Ferguson, Holt, Herrera, Nilson, and Norton. Those voting nay were: Chair Clinton, Vice Chair Linder, Commissioners Dulzaides, Hoke, and Nemer. Commissioner Huddleston was absent. The motion to approve Commissioner Clinton as Chair failed on Vice Chair Linder’s motion, …
Information is from October 1, 2024– May 31, 2025 Intake Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Outcome Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Difference of outcomes - intakes Dog totals Cat totals Totals Cats Adoption RTO/RTO Adopt Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing SNR (former SCRP) Total Dog Adoption RTO/RTO Adopt Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total 2025 3450 3792 7242 2025 3289 3585 6874 2025 -161 -207 -368 2025 2253 130 694 157 66 4 281 3585 2025 2087 497 581 104 20 0 3289
May 2025 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT 1 On May 5, 2025, Animal Services transitioned to a new database for shelter management. This transition is ongoing and has potentially impacted data reporting. Austin Animal Center Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • The live outcome rate for May 1-5 was 89.23%. For May 6-31, the live outcome rate was 91.02%. • A total of 1,332 animals were brought to the shelter which included 840 dogs, 466 cats, 37 wild animals, 7 rabbits, 6 guinea pigs, and one bird. • A total of 500 animals were adopted (168 adult dogs, 69 puppies, 128 kittens, 122 adult cats, 5 rabbits, 4 mice, 2 birds, and 2 guinea pigs). • A total of 80 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • On May 1, there were 922 animals within the ASO inventory. • On June 1, there were 1307 animals within the ASO inventory. Animal Protection Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 9 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 4 fencing assistance applications and implanted 0 microchip(s). • Officers impounded 91 injured animals and delivered approximately 28 wildlife animals to Austin Wildlife Rescue. • Officers submitted 33 specimens for rabies testing. We had 6 positive bats, 6 decomposed bats, and 1 decomposed raccoon. Wildlife Data is partially incomplete and does not include non-coyote wildlife. • There were 44 total coyote related activities (Behavior types include Sighting, Encounter, Incident, and Observation. “Observation” is defined as hearing coyotes howling and finding scat or footprints.) o 22 sightings, 17 wild sick, 2 incidents, 1 encounter, and 2 wild injured • Out of 44 coyote related activities, 25 (57%) reports fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, incident, and observation) o There were no encounters or incidents reported for the month of May. Volunteer Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • 520 volunteers contributed 6,889 hours in May. • • The Volunteer Program held 4 orientations, introducing 118 potential volunteers to shelter operations. The Volunteer Program scheduled 16 Community Service Restitution individuals to perform 162 hours of laundry, dishes and other duties as assigned. • 158 volunteers dedicated their time to volunteer development and onboarding training. 2 • 21 individuals donated 42 hours toward group volunteer service, through dog-walking and general cat care. Foster & …
Animal Services Office Strategic Plan Update Juany Torres Strategic Plan Project Manager June 9, 2025 Background The City of Austin Animal Services Office (ASO) launched a strategic planning process in June 2024. This planning process was initiated in response to two 2023 reviews of ASO by the City of Austin Auditor’s Office and the National Center for Animal Shelter Evaluations. In March 2025 City Council adopted the plan. ✓ January 2025: Finalize and Design Strategic Plan ✓ February 10, 2025: Animal Advisory Commission meeting discussion and recommendation ✓ March 5, 2025: Public Health Committee Briefing ✓ March 27, 2025: Austin City Council Meeting for consideration and adoption of Strategic Plan ✓ April 29, 2025: Travis County Commissioner’s Court presentation of Austin City Council approved Strategic Plan ✓ May 2025: ASO has launched implementation of Strategic Plan June 2025: First update on Austin City Council approved Strategic Plan to Austin Animal Advisory Commission 14 Strategic Planning Process Overview STRATEGIC PLAN PREPARATION Apr to Jun 2024 PHASE 1: ASSESSMENT Jun to Aug 2024 Purpose: To map out the strategic planning process. External consultant Dr. Larry Schooler hired • • Planning Team and Working Group members identified Purpose: To understand ASO's current state and gather feedback from stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, partners, and the community to ensure the strategic plan is responsive to the needs, priorities, and aspirations of stakeholders. • Conducted a community survey with 2,041 participants • Held four listening sessions with 40 ASO volunteers • Held nine listening sessions with 94 ASO staff members Interviewed 10 ASO leadership team members Interviewed 11 community partners • • • Reviewed prior audits, reports, and surveys • Benchmarked similar animal welfare organizations • Compiled two comprehensive reports of survey and listening session findings 3 Strategic Planning Process Overview Continued PHASE 2: STRATEGIC PLAN FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT Aug 2024 to Jan 2025 PHASE 3: STRATEGIC PLAN FINALIZATION Jan 2025 to May 2025 Purpose: To create a strategic plan that addresses audit findings, fulfills ASO’s mission, and effectively balances stakeholder needs and aspirations while building trust among Working Group members. Purpose: To share, finalize, and adopt the strategic plan. • Held five initial workshops with the Working Group • • Held staff town hall to gather feedback on Shared draft focus areas and goals with stakeholders draft framework • Conducted community survey to gather feedback on • draft framework Feedback shared with the Working Group and …
REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION April 14, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 West 2nd St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Animal Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Travis County Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Whitney Holt, D5 Luis Herrera, D6 Jo Anne Norton, D7 Erin Ferguson, D8 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Laura Hoke, Mayor AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on March 10, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Services Office. 3. Staff briefing regarding the implementation of new shelter software at the Animal Services Office. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation by Austin Pets Alive! regarding license agreement reports. 5. Discussion regarding the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget including a review of budget requests made by the Animal Services Office and the process for Fiscal Year 2026 budget development. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Conduct officer elections for the Chair, Vice Chair, and Parliamentarian. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Christi Vitela, Office of the City Clerk at (512) 974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Animal Advisory Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at (512) 974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov.
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MARCH 10, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on March 10, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Linder called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Lotta Smagula, D1 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Nancy Nemer, Travis County Whitney Holt, D5 Larry Tucker, D7 Commissioners Absent: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Luis Herrera, D6 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Kaitlyn Banis – Adoption policy proposal Sandra Muller – Adoption fees Pat Valls-Trelles – Process issues Laura Ransan Nesmith – Recurrent issues with rules and need for clear manual 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on February 10, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting on February 10, 2025, was approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Smagula’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Hoke abstained. Chair Clinton and Commissioner Herrera were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Officer, Austin Animal Services. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation and discussion regarding the development of bond technical criteria and the recent work of the Bond Election Advisory Task Force. Presentation by Jason Garza, Deputy Officer, Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Officer, Animal Services Office. 4. Overview of budget requests made by Animal Services Office and the process for Fiscal Year 2026 budget development. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Officer, Animal Services Office. 5. Discussion of targets for the Animal Services Strategic Plan. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Discussion of long distance adoption support at Austin Animal Center and formation of a working group to research, support and encourage the shelter in increasing adoptions by utilizing long distance adoption models. The motion to form a working group to research, support and encourage the shelter in increasing adoptions by utilizing long distance adoption models was approved on Commissioner Holt’s motion, Commissioner Hoke’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Chair Clinton and Commissioner Herrera were absent. Commissioners Hoke and Holt were added to the working group without objection. 7. Discussion of Greater Good Charities, Good Fix support and formation of a working group to find ways …
Information is from October 1, 2024– March 31, 2025 Information compiled via ASO Power BI dashboards. Intake Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Outcome Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Difference of outcomes - intakes Dog totals Cat totals Totals Cats Adoption RTO/RTO Adopt Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing SNR (former SCRP) Total Dog Adoption RTO/RTO Adopt Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total 2025 2601 2432 5033 2025 2512 2591 5103 2025 -89 159 70 2025 1790 95 374 88 37 2 205 2591 2025 1628 366 436 70 12 0 2512
March 2025 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT 1 Austin Animal Center • The live outcome rate for March was 95.47%. • A total of 960 animals were brought to the shelter which included 472 dogs, 408 cats, 56 wild animals, 7 rabbits, 4 lizards, 7 guinea pigs, 3 turtles, and one rat. • A total of 495 animals were adopted (139 adult dogs, 161 puppies, 88 kittens, and 107 adult cats). • A total of 93 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • On March 1, there were 770 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (479 onsite, 285 in foster, 2 at a vet clinic, and 4 at TLAC). • On April 1, there were 801 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (473 onsite, 323 in foster, and 2 at a vet clinic). Animal Protection • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 37 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 22 fencing assistance applications and implanted 4 microchip(s). • Officers impounded 174 injured animals and delivered approximately 162 wildlife animals to Austin Wildlife Rescue. • Officers entered 264 rabies exposure reports and submitted 6 specimens for rabies testing. We had 1 positive bat. Wildlife • There were 18 total coyote related activities (Behavior types include Sighting, Encounter, Incident, and Observation. “Observation” is defined as hearing coyotes howling and finding scat or footprints.) o 10 sightings, 4 wild sick, 2 incidents, 1 observations, and 1 wild injured • Out of 38 coyote related activities, 13 (72%) reports fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, incident, and observation) o Incidents: Pets were a factor in 2/2 (100%) of incidents reported. 2/2 incidents (100%) involved a coyote taking an unsupervised outside cat. • Out of 18 coyote related reports, 7 (39%) reports were updated to the correct behavior types. o 1 sightings updated to wild sick (due to mange) o Residents are mistaking coyotes with mange for dogs 1 stray injured dog to wild injured coyote • A total of 512 wildlife related reports were made, including 221 wild injured, 163 wild speaks, 104 exposure investigations, 12 wild sick, 9 wild confined, 2 wild roam, and 1 presentation. Wildlife Related Activities by District March 2025 2 Presentation Wild Confined Wild Roam Wild Sick Wild Speak Wild Injured D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 Investigate Exposure Districts s e t i v …
Animal Services Budget Animal Services Office Budget Asks and Appropriations March 10th, 2025 Presented by: Don Bland 1 Operating Budget Operating Budget Expenditure by Program Animal Services Support Services Transfers, Debt Service, and other Requirements 2022-23 Actual 2023-24 Estimate 2023-24 Amended 2024-25 Approved 13,176,253 15,056,502 15,149,003 16,010,710 1,492,425 3,431,484 1,544,174 4,161,880 1,751,149 4,161,880 2,036,181 5,419,387 Total by Program Revenue from General Fund 15,957,928 18,684,168 19,064,818 21,225,540 21,062,032 20,762,556 18,100,163 23,466,278 Revenue from Fees/ILA 2,142,235 2,078,388 1,997,204 2,240,738 Total Revenue Civilian FTEs 18,100,163 20,762,556 21,062,032 23,466,278 121.00 126.00 126.00 128.50 2 Animal Services Operating Budget Expense Categories Provides an array of animal protection, animal sheltering, rabies prevention, and pet owner services. Expense Category 2022-23 Actual 2023-24 Estimate 2023-24 Amended 2024-25 Approved Animal Services Personnel Contractuals Commodities Expense Refunds Non-CIP Capital Total Program Revenue Civilian FTEs 9,516,023 2,708,860 1,259,272 (307,902) 0 9,798,286 10,269,387 10,740,720 3,506,162 1,913,827 (161,773) 0 3,687,002 1,352,387 (161,773) 2,000 3,669,603 1,652,387 (54,000) 2,000 13,176,253 15,056,502 15,149,003 16,010,710 112 116 116 118.50 3 Support Services Operating Budget Expense Categories Provides administrative and managerial support to the Department. Expense Category 2022-23 Actual 2023-24 Estimate 2023-24 Amended 2024-25 Approved Support Services Personnel Contractuals Commodities Expense Refunds Non-CIP Capital Total Program Personnel Civilian FTEs 1,011,592 1,025,083 1,272,932 1,435,573 357,032 90,404 (189) 33,587 465,819 53,522 (250) 0 406,125 72,342 (250) 0 530,608 70,250 (250) 0 1,492,425 1,544,174 1,751,149 2,036,181 9.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 4 Transfers, Debt Service, and Other Requirements Operating Budget Expense Categories comprises Primarily other departmental requirements at the fund or agency level. transfers and Expense Category 2022-23 Actual 2023-24 Estimate 2023-24 Amended 2024-25 Approved T.DS.OR Services Personnel Contractuals Transfers Total Program 31,445 662,447 662,447 905,737 3,398,842 3,499,433 3,499,433 4,513,650 1,197 0 0 0 3,431,484 4,161,880 4,161,880 5,419,387 5 5 2 0 2 - 4 2 0 2 s e g n a h C t n a c i f i n g i S 6 Requested for Animal Services Expense Category $2,932,551.00 To t a l E st i m a t ed Co s t o f U n me t N e e d s $2,932,551.00 $2,119,898.00 (Recurring FTE costs) $812,653.00 (One-time costs) Job Title Vehicles Laptops Animal Protection Officer 11 Vehicles ($65,423/each) 31 units ($3,000/each) Total(s) $812,653 Department/Position # of positions Grand Total Animal Protection 11.5 $951,899 Vet Services Coordinator, Rescue/Foster Animal Care Total(s) 10 2.5 6 30 $766,263 $207,704 $430,547 $2,356,413 Approved for Animal Services Expense …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION March 10, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 West 2nd St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Animal Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Travis County Lotta Smagula, D1 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Whitney Holt, D5 Luis Herrera, D6 Larry Tucker, D7 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Laura Hoke, Mayor CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on February 10, 2025. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation and discussion regarding the development of bond technical criteria and the recent work of the Bond Election Advisory Task Force. Presentation by Jason Garza, Deputy Officer, Animal Services Office. 4. Overview of budget requests made by Animal Services Office and the process for Fiscal Year 2026 budget development. 5. Discussion of targets for the Animal Services Strategic Plan. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Discussion of long distance adoption support at Austin Animal Center and formation of a working group to research, support and encourage the shelter in increasing adoptions by utilizing long distance adoption models. 7. Discussion of Greater Good Charities, Good Fix support and formation of a working group to find ways to improve outcomes. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. …
