Recommendation 20260309-005: Austin Animal Services Budget Recommendation FY ’27 & FY ‘28 Regarding Staff Dog Walkers — original pdf

Recommendation

. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Animal Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260309-005]: Austin Animal Services Budget Recommendation FY ’27 & FY ‘28 Regarding Staff Dog Walkers WHEREAS, Austin Animal Services has had two positions for dog walkers that are both paid not from the general fund but from donations made to Austin Animal Services, but the services they provide are critical and on-going (at least until length of stay in the shelter for large dogs is dramatically reduced), WHEREAS, the city’s strategic plan includes a goal of Economic and Workforce Development; and WHEREAS, Austin Animal Services has as one of its six priorities Humane Care with a specific strategy to “enhance capacity to provide enrichment and socialization services,” it is critical to at least ensure that that the current dog-walking staff can be maintained regardless of donation proceeds. WHEREAS, Austin Animal Services has, as one of the six priorities in the strategic plan as staff and volunteers with a specific goal to “enhance working conditions and build skilled support staff.” NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Animal Advisory Commission encourages the Austin City Council to provide funding in the general budget for two staff dog walkers (Animal Enrichment Worker). The estimated FY 2027 cost of these two staff positions would be $169,895. Date of Approval: March 9, 2026 Motioned By: Chair Nilson Seconded By: Vice Chair Linder Vote: 10-0 For: Chair Nilson, Vice Chair Linder, Commissioners Ahmed, Dulzaides, Daniel, Ferguson, Holt, Loignon, Nemer, and Van Landingham Against: Absent: Commissioners Clinton, Huddleston, Norton Attest: Nekaybaw Watson, Staff Liaison