REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, JULY 13, 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: Jules Maron, Chair, D3 Jo Anne Norton, Vice Chair, D7 Jennifer Daniel, Parliamentarian, D6 Koby Ahmed, Mayor Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Erin Ferguson, D8 Whitney Holt, D5 Sarah Huddleston, D9 David Loignon, D10 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Erin Van Landingham, D1 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 June 8, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports. Presentation by Monica Dangler, Director, Austin Animal Services and Jason Garza, Assistant Director, Austin Animal Services. Staff briefing regarding the microchip/vaccine clinic, July 4th runaway pet numbers and 311 policies regarding deceased animals . Presentation by Monica Dangler, Director, Austin Animal Services and Jason Garza, Assistant Director , Austin Animal Services. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation regarding Petco Love Platform and the exploration of pet reunification platforms. Presentation by Misty Valenta, Animal Services Director, Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter and Monica Dangler, Director, Austin Animal Services. Discussion and presentation regarding New World Screwworm Crisis. Presentation by Dr. Debbie Elliot, Program Manager, Veterinary Services. Discussion clarifying previous statement in bylaws regarding No Kill Subcommittee. Discuss the Annual Internal Review Report for Animal Advisory Commission. Change in Chair for No Kill Subcommittee. 5. 6. 7. 8. DICUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. 10. Creation of a working group exploring compliance with the Texas Health and Safety Chapter 8-23 Creation of a working group to study the emergency intake procedures at Austin Animal Services. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin …
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 8, 2026 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Nilson called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Dr. Paige Nilson, Chair, D4 Jo Anne Norton, Vice Chair, D7 Jennifer Daniel, Parliamentarian, D6 David Loignon, D10 Jules Maron, D3 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Koby Ahmed, Mayor Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Erin Ferguson, D8 Whitney Holt, D5 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Erin Van Landingham, D1 Commissioners Absent: Sarah Huddleston, D9 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Rochelle Vickery – Support Good Fix Rebecca Arizmendi – No Kill Initiatives Shelly Leibham – Spay Neuter and Over Crowding Suzie Chase – Kudos to Monica Dangler Shawna Simpson – Obstructions to Pet Reunions 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on May 11, 2026. The minutes of the May 11th regular meeting of the Animal Advisory Commission as amended by Commissioner Dulzaides during the June 8th meeting were approved on Vice Chair Norton’s motion, Chair Nilson’s second on an 11-0 vote. Commissioner Huddelston was absent. The amendment was to insert “Commissioner Dulzaides abstained” to item 11. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports. Presentation by Monica Dangler, Director, Austin Animal Services and Jason Garza, Assistant Director, Austin Animal Services. Presentation given by Monica Dangler, Director, Austin Animal Services and Jason Garza, Assistant Director, Austin Animal Services. Staff briefing regarding the Austin Animal Services Donation Fund. Presentation by Monica Dangler, Director, Austin Animal Services, Jason Garza, Assistant Director, Austin Animal Services, and Melissa Pool, Chief Administrative Officer, Austin Animal Services. Presentation given by Monica Dangler, Director, Austin Animal Services; Jason Garza, Assistant Director, Austin Animal Services; and Melissa Pool, Chief Administrative Officer, Austin Animal Services. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. Approve the election of Chair. The motion to approve Commissioner Maron as chair of the Animal Advisory Commission was approved on Commissioner Loignon’s motion, Commissioner Maron’s second on an 8-0 vote. Chair Nilson, Vice Chair Norton, and Parliamentarian Daniel abstained. Commissioner Huddleston was absent. The motion to approve Chair Nilson as chair of the Animal Advisory Commission failed on Vice Chair Norton’s motion, Chair Nilson’s second on a 3-2 vote. Chair Nilson, Vice Chair Norton, and Parliamentarian Daniel voted aye. Commissioners …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION NO KILL SUBCOMMITTEE MONDAY, JULY 13, 2026, AT 4:00PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the No Kill Subcommittee may be participating by videoconference. 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, nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov, 512-974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Whitney Holt, D5, Chair Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Erin Ferguson, D8 CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL David Loignon, D10 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Erin Van Landingham, D1 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. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Discussion of definition of no kill thresholds. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve an Annual Schedule for the No Kill Subcommittee. 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 call or email Nekaybaw Watson at Austin City Clerk’s Office Department, at 512-974-2562 or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov, to request service or for additional information. For more information on the No Kill Subcommittee please contact Nekaybaw Watson at 512-974- 2562 or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov.
No Kill Shelter Committee Annual Schedule Option 1 Every other month Possible Location: Austin City Hall Boards and Commissions Possible Time: 4:30-5:30pm Monday, May 11, 2026 Monday, July 13, 2026 Monday, September 14, 2026 Monday, November 9, 2026 No Kill Shelter Committee Annual Schedule Option 2 Once a quarter Possible Location: Austin City Hall Boards and Commissions Possible Time: 4:30-5:30pm Monday, June 8, 2026 Monday, September 14, 2026 Monday, December 14, 2026
Updates, Reports and Briefings Updates, Reports and Briefings Austin Animal Services | July 13, 2026 Updates and Accomplishments June 2026 Monica Dangler, Director Free Vaccine/Microchip Drive-Through Clinic On June 10, Animal Services teamed up with Austin Humane Society to host a free vaccine clinic for companion animals. The event took place on an Animal Services training day so all staff except for a skeleton crew were active participants in making the event run smoothly. Staff assisted residents with administration of vaccines/microchips, registration, data entry, tag engraving, etc. 197 dogs, 76 cats, 27 kittens, and 21 puppies received the free services. Each animal received whatever service they needed and for which they were eligible. Zip codes from across the Austin area were quite evenly distributed among participating residents. 78753 and 78653 both had the highest number of participants at 14 residents with their respective number of companion animals. 3 Bissell Pet Foundation The Bissell Pet Foundation has generously offered a supply of NexGard to protect sheltered cats from fleas, ticks, heartworm, and other intestinal worms. This gift will be shared with Austin Humane Society for their sheltered cat population. A date for this gift has not been confirmed at this time. Additional Emancipet Surgery Day Additional funding was provided to Emancipet to add another spay/neuter surgery day for community owned animals! 4 y Outcomes Pathways This policy establishes a framework for achieving positive, timely, and humane outcomes for animals in our care. Primary positive outcome pathways include Return-to- Owner (RTO), Adoption, Foster Care, and Transfer to Placement Partners. Customer Experience Survey Providing exceptional service to our community is at the heart of everything we do. Every interaction we have with our customers is an opportunity to build trust, demonstrate compassion, and make a positive difference. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we've launched our new Customer Experience Survey. Return to Owner Procedure This procedure is based on evidence-based shelter practices and establishes consistent, humane, efficient processes for returning lost animals to their owners as quickly as possible. The benefits? Reduction in the length of stay and stress on animals and increased community trust. 5 2024 2025 2026 25 20 15 14 14 11 10 11 9 9 25 23 Stray Dog Intake July 5 – Jul 11 (2024- 2026) An overview of dogs impounded as strays between July 5 and July 11 from the past three years. Dashed lines …
Animal Services Office Statistical Report – June2024-2026 June 2026 Intake June2025 Intake June2024 Intake June 2026 Adoption June2025 Adoptions June2024 Adoptions June 2026 RTOs June2025 RTOs June2024 RTOs June 2026 Animal Euthanized June2025 Animals Euthanized June2024 Animals Euthanized June 2026 Live Release Rate June2025 Total Live Release Rate June2024 Total Live Release Rate June 2026 Vaccinations – 2718 vaccinations were provided to animals in care of Austin Animal Services. June2025 Vaccinations - 2404 vaccinations were provided to animals in care of Austin Animal Services. June2024 Animal Vaccinations June 2026 – Spay/Neuter at AAC June2025 Spayed/Neuter at AAC June2024 Spayed/Neutered at AAC June 2026 Deaths in Care \ June2025 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster June2024 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster June 2026 Animals Transferred (includes 72 cats that went through SNR) June2025 Animals Transferred (includes 57 cats that went through SNR : June2024 Animals Transferred June 2026 Animals Lost, Stolen or Missing June2025 Animal Lost, Stolen or Missing June2024 Animals Lost, Stolen or Missing June 2026 SNR Program – As noted above, 72 cats went through SNR June2025 SNR Program – As noted above, 57 cats went through SNR June2024 SNR Program June 2026 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO June2025 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO June2024 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO
and What is Petco Love Lost Petco Love Lost is a free national, central database for lost and found pets. Petco Love Lost uses photo-matching technology to identify possible matches from both other users who have found a pet, as well as over 3,300 shelter partners across the nation. Users simply upload a photo and begin searching thousands of pet listings, create easily sharable pet alerts (optimized for Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor and email) and download printable posters. How does a citizen use Petco Love Lost when they find a lost pet or when their pet is lost? How does a WCRAS use Petco Love Lost? Dog Outgoing Percentages Dogs19-2020-2121-2222-2323-2424-25Adopted54.61%48.55%58.10%55.45%62.11%45.71%Reclaim25.47%26.12%24.46%22.71%22.38%21.90%Transfer17.50%23.40%16.10%20.17%13.39%30.10%Died0.53%0.50%0.53%0.79%1.06%0.71%Euthanasia1.80%1.40%0.81%0.82%0.99%1.30% Services Impact on Intake 16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 Intake Population Served (50%) Petco Love Lost Increases our relationship with the community Decreases unnecessary intake Decreases length of stay Increases our ability to find matches Gives families missing their pet a tool and resources
Resource Guide New World Screwworm (NWS) 06-18-2026 UPDATE New World Screwworm Fact Sheet Info for Swine Producers Learn about NWS biology, life cycle, signs of infestation, affected animals, economic impacts, prevention methods, treatment options, and reporting procedures. Learn about the affect on swine operations, including signs of infestation, animal health, economic risks, prevention, treatment options, and biosecurity practices to help reduce the threat to pork production. Livestock Management Considerations Companion Animal Care Overview of livestock practices, including managing wounds, animal handling, seasonal considerations, surveillance, and treatment options. Learn what influence exposure and control efforts. Learn how NWS affects dogs, cats, and other companion animals, including signs of infestation, prevention, wound care, treatment options, and steps to protect animal health. Wildlife Monitoring and Management Protecting Human Health Examine the impact on wildlife, including affected species, surveillance, monitoring challenges, reporting, and the importance of coordination among landowners, wildlife professionals, and animal health officials. Learn how NWS can affect people, including risk factors, signs of infestation, prevention measures, treatment options, and steps to protect human health while caring for animals or treating wounds. Guide developed by Sara Allen, Phoenix Rogers, and Zach Schaefer. Extension Specialists, Disaster Assessment & Recovery Unit, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is an equal opportunity employer and program provider. Producer Action Guide New World Screwworm (NWS) 06-18-2026 UPDATE WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT NWS REPORTING NWS See how suspected NWS cases are identified, sampled, reported, and managed by animal health officials and producers. Inspect Collect Learn how to safely collect, preserve, and submit suspected NWS samples for laboratory identification. Protect Find FDA guidance on approved animal drugs, emergency use options, and available treatments for NWS in affected species. Early detection and reporting is critical. Report all suspected and confirmed cases of NWS immediately. TAHC RESTRICTION ZONE GUIDANCE Up-to-date information from Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) on current Texas Counties within NWS zones, link to the zone map, and movement restrictions. This factsheet provides overview of livestock movement requirements in Texas areas affected by NWS, including inspection, treatment, permitting, and documentation. APHIS CONFIRMED DETECTIONS View the latest confirmed animal and wild fly NWS detections in the U.S. Track outbreak locations, surveillance and response information from USDA APHIS. Guide developed by Sara Allen, Phoenix Rogers, and Zach Schaefer. Extension Specialists, Disaster Assessment & Recovery Unit, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Do not trap or watch …
New World Screwworm NWS Data and images from TAHC, USDA, TVMA Animal Advisory Commission July 13, 2026 Dr. Debbie Elliott Cochliomyia hominivorax ➢The larvae of the fly are obligate parasites that only infest living tissue of warm- blooded animals, including livestock, wildlife, pets, humans and birds (rarely), causing a condition known as myiasis ➢ • Hominivorax = “man” eater ➢• Often fatal to the infested animal Larvae ❖Screwworm refers to the screw-like shape of the larvae and the way the larva burrows into the flesh. ❖Larvae are parasitic consuming living flesh for 5-7 days then fall off the host to pupate in the ground. ❖This is the stage that we may see them in the wounds of living animals. ❖Once the animal is deceased, the larvae detect the cooler body temperature and will fall off the host and pupate on the ground, despite the age of the larvae. TAHC Lifecycle What We May See • Maggots or egg clusters in wounds of live animals • Requires notification of DVM immediately. (delay in treatment is fatal) • Treatment options: FDA Approved: Capstar, NexGard Combo (cats), Nexgard, Credelio. • Isoxazolines – Simparica, Bravecto (Expulsion and larvicidal) • Immediate wound management and removal of larvae Reportable • Domestic Animals - reportable disease to the TX Animal Health Commission by the veterinarians • Wildlife reporting and collection is to the TX Parks & Wildlife Dept biologist Current Location and Spread Since July 12 Current Outbreak Mexico Dogs 0.002% Cats 0.000052 % Thank you! Dr. Debbie Elliott Austin Animal Services Manager Veterinary Services
Annual Internal Review 7/1/2025 to 6/30/2026 Name of Board or Commission Animal Advisory Commission Has the board or commission's actions throughout the year complied with City Council directives and bylaws? Yes. If No, please explain N/A. How many recommendations did your board or commission approve? The Commission approved 10 recommendations during the July 2025 through June 2026 review period. Please list the recommendation numbers. 20250714-010 20250811-007 20251013-008 20260309-004 20260309-005 20260309-006 20260309-007 20260413-006 20260511-009 20260608-008 Which recommendations are closely aligned to the organization's core mission and why? All recommendations are aligned with the Commission’s core mission to advise City Council and Travis County Commissioners Court on animal shelter compliance, animal welfare policies, budget priorities, collaboration, communication within the animal welfare community, and the development of animal welfare programs. The most directly aligned recommendations are those addressing shelter operations, humane care, live outcome support, staffing, enrichment, adoption access, pet retention, community cats, breed labeling, and animal welfare policy: 20250714-010, 20250811-007, 20260309-004, 20260309-005, 20260309-006, 20260309-007, 20260413-006, 20260511-009, and 20260608- 008. Which recommendations are adjacent to the organization's core mission and why? Recommendation 20251013-008, Bird Friendly Design, is adjacent but still relevant because it addresses broader animal welfare and wildlife protection through City policy and built- environment practices. Pet Friendly Housing (20260413-006) also intersects with housing policy but remains closely connected to animal shelter intake prevention and pet retention. Please share any further context that could support or explain your recommendations. During the review period, the Commission received regular Austin Animal Services briefings, reviewed shelter data and outcome reports, received public comment, considered budget needs, discussed shelter capacity and animal care concerns, and used working groups to develop policy recommendations. Recurring themes included shelter overcrowding, live outcomes, animal enrichment, staffing stability, pet retention, adoption access, community cats, data transparency, off-leash dogs, and responsible animal welfare policy. Is there another body that overlaps with the role and work of the board or commission you serve? Yes. If yes, which body? Austin Animal Services, Austin City Council, Travis County Commissioners Court, and related City departments or advisory bodies when policy issues intersect with housing, public health, parks, wildlife, or environmental design. Please explain their alignment. The Animal Advisory Commission provides focused public input and policy recommendations related to animal welfare. Austin Animal Services implements shelter operations and programs. City Council and Travis County Commissioners Court make policy and budget decisions. Other boards or departments may overlap …
