REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 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 Nekaybaw Watson at nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Dr. Paige Nilson, Chair, D4 Koby Ahmed, Mayor Ryan Clinton, Travis County Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Jennifer Daniel, D6 Erin Ferguson, D8 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Whitney Holt, D5 Sarah Huddleston, D9 David Loignon, D10 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 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 December 8, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports. Presentation by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation from Stephanie Bilbro, Director of Operations, Austin Pets Alive! regarding the quarterly reports and an update on the Barn Cats Program. 4. Final update on the recruitment process for the Austin Animal Services Director by Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager. DICUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a list of legislative priorities to be supported by recommendations for the upcoming legislative session. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please email or call Nekaybaw Watson at Austin City Clerk’s Office, at nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov or 512-974- 2562 to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Animal Advisory Commission, please contact Nekaybaw Watson at nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2562.
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 12.08.2025 ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Austin City Hall 301 W 2nd Street, Room 1101 Austin, Texas. Chair Nilson called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Dr. Paige Nilson, Chair, D4 Jennifer Daniel, D6 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Erin Ferguson, D8 Jo Anne Norton, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Koby Ahmed, Mayor Ryan Clinton, Travis County Whitney Holt, D5 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 Commissioners Absent: David Loignon, D10 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Robyn Katz Gonzales- State of Animals in Austin Beverly Luna- General Animal Issues and Emergency Services Andrea Greig-Shelter Procedures Rochelle Vickery- Happy Holidays and Good Fix Julie Oliver- Unjust Termination Pia Phillips- Meeting Procedures Pat Valls Trelles- History of No Kill in Austin 1 ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 12.08.2025 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission regular meeting on November 10, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of November 10, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Norton’s motion, Commissioner Dulzaides’ second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Clinton abstained. Commissioner Holt was off the dais. Commissioner Loignon was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports. Presentation by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Director of Animal Services, Austin Animal Services and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on the recruitment process for the Austin Animal Services Director. Presentation by Rodney Crain, Senior Consultant, MGT. Presentation was made by Rodney Crain, Senior Consultant, MGT. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Will be emailed to staff liaison. The motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:48 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Daniel’s motion, Commissioner Dulzaides’ second without objection. The minutes were approved at the DATE meeting on BOARD MEMBER’s motion, BOARD MEMBER second on a (vote count). 2 ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 12.08.2025 3
Fiscal Year 2026 December 2025 § 3-1-27 - Reporting by Animal Shelter (1) Number of impounded animals December 2025 (FY26) saw 627 domestic animals impounded at AAS. There was an 8.87% decrease from November 2025 which brought in 688 domestic animals the shelter. to number This the categories of wildlife, bird (wildlife), opossums, and reptile (wildlife). excludes (2) Number of animals euthanized a description of the animal, including age, species, and size, and the reason for euthanasia Species Primary Breed Owl Domestic Shorthair American Shorthair Reason Injured Injured Injured Bird (wildlife) Cat Cat Cat Cat Cat Cat Cat Cat Cat Cat Cat Cat Dog Dog Dog Dog Dog Dog Dog Dog Dog Dog Dog Kitten Kitten Kitten Kitten Kitten Domestic Shorthair Neurological Domestic Shorthair Neurological Domestic Shorthair Su(cid:431)ering Domestic Shorthair Su(cid:431)ering Domestic Medium Hair Su(cid:431)ering Domestic Shorthair Su(cid:431)ering Domestic Shorthair Su(cid:431)ering Domestic Shorthair Su(cid:431)ering Domestic Shorthair Su(cid:431)ering Domestic Medium Hair Toxicity American Pit Bull Terrier DB4 Bite Golden Retriever DB4 Bite American Pit Bull Terrier Court Order Border Collie Court Order American Pit Bull Terrier Court Order American Pit Bull Terrier Court Order Labrador Retriever English Bulldog Poodle - Miniature Dachshund Su(cid:431)ering Su(cid:431)ering Su(cid:431)ering Su(cid:431)ering Chihuahua - Smooth Trauma Domestic Shorthair Domestic Shorthair Agonal Agonal Domestic Shorthair Su(cid:431)ering Domestic Shorthair Su(cid:431)ering Domestic Shorthair Su(cid:431)ering Wildlife Bat - Little Brown Myotis Rabies Risk Wildlife Fox - Grey Rabies Risk Wildlife Bat - Unspecified Rabies Risk Wildlife Raccoon Rabies Risk Wildlife Bat - Little Brown Myotis Rabies Risk Wildlife Bat - Little Brown Myotis Rabies Risk Wildlife Raccoon Wildlife Raccoon Rabies Risk Rabies Risk Wildlife Bat - Unspecified Rabies Risk Wildlife Skunk - Striped Su(cid:431)ering Puppy Chihuahua - Smooth Su(cid:431)ering (3) Live-release rate for non-wildlife animals December 2025 (FY26) saw a for live-release of domestic 94.98%. rate animals This means that of all outcomes for the month of December, 94.98% were positive and involved rescue adoption, transfer, return-to-owner, etc. (4) Animals adopted December 2025 (FY26) saw a slight dog adoptions after December 12th. decrease in to is due temporary the This emergency implementation of procedures during the Canine Pneumovirus outbreak at Austin Animal Services. (5) Animals returned to owner December 2025 (FY26) saw 68 animals reclaimed. Animal Protection O(cid:431)icers (APOs) returned 22 animals to their owners in the field. (6) Animals in foster care in the month and on day of reporting 301 di(cid:431)erent people/families fostered. As of January 8, there are …
Barn Cat Program APA! Barn Cat Program Overview APA!’s Barn Cat Program provides Travis County’s only consistent live outcome for a specific group of cats who cannot be adopted or safely returned outdoors. These cats are typically truly feral or unsocialized—they avoid human interaction, may be fearful or aggressive in indoor settings, and do not thrive in indoor home environments. Many are not eligible for TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) or SNR (Shelter-Neuter-Return) including: ● ● Zoning restrictions (e.g., high-density housing, highways) Lack of a safe return location When return or adoption aren’t viable options. APA!’s program offers a lifesaving, humane alternative by placing these cats in: ● Outdoor homes (barns, sheds, warehouses, etc.) ● With daily food, water, and shelter ● After a 2–4 week acclimation period and with adopter vetting and education Why this program exists The problem we’re solving • A small subset of cats entering Austin Animal Services and other shelters are not safe or appropriate for traditional indoor adoption (e.g., truly feral/fearful). • When TNR or SNR is not viable, these cats have no other live outcome. • Barn cat placement is a humane, managed alternative: it saves lives while reducing pressure on shelter housing and behavior resources. How this fits with community cat strategies ● ● ● ● ● Return is preferred whenever possible; barn placement is used when return is not feasible. Placements are screened and supported—this is not “release and hope.” Provides a humane outcome for cats who would otherwise be at high risk of euthanasia. Creates managed placements with caretaker responsibility (daily care + shelter). Relieves pressure on shelter space and behavior resources by moving the right population that is least likely to succeed as indoor pets. Barn Cat Eligibility “Barn” can include • Barns, sheds, stables • Warehouses / businesses • Workshops / garages • Other safe, ventilated enclosures Minimum eligibility (must meet all) This is not • Apparently healthy • Not declawed • History of living outside • Not a candidate for return • Dumping cats outside • A substitute for TNR/Return when return is possible • A placement for cats who can thrive as indoor pets Safeguards: how we minimize risk Medical + identification Home screening Acclimation + follow-up • Spay/neuter • Vaccines • Microchip • Parasite prevention • Ear-tipped • Caretaker commits to daily food + water • Safe shelter structure (barn/shed/etc.) • Avoid high-risk placements near busy roads • …
