Item 7: Draft Recommendation to Council regarding process requirements for changes affecting the public, fosters, rescue partners and adopters — original pdf

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RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION 20261109-007 PROCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR CHANGES AFFECTING THE PUBLIC, FOSTERS, RESCUE PARTNERS AND ADOPTERS WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to promoting animal welfare, supporting no-kill practices at Austin Animal Services and protecting the health of Travis County pets; and WHEREAS, the Austin Animal Services Strategic Plan published in 2025 cites “Review, research and provide recommendations on animal related policies and regulations that impact public health and safety, seeking review and/or approval from governing bodies as applicable” (PH3, 3(B); and WHEREAS, the Austin Animal Services Strategic Plan published in 2025 cites “Ensure the health and safety of the public and animals by providing resources and information, working with community partners, and responding quickly to animal related concerns” (PH1,1(B) and WHEREAS, FeLV is a contagious virus that shortens the lifespan of affected cats and kittens; WHEREAS, placing a FeLV positive cat or kitten in a foster home risks infecting cats and kittens in that home because they are allowed to interact per the Austin Animal Services Foster Manual; and WHEREAS, adopting a FeLV positive cat or kitten to a home risks infecting other cats and kittens in their home and other cats if allowed outside; and WHEREAS, transferring a FeLV positive cat or kitten to a rescue group risks infecting other cats and kittens in their care; and WHEREAS, stopping testing for FeLV is contrary to the goals of the Austin Animal Services Strategic Plan; and SO BE IT RESOLVED, cats and kittens going to foster homes, rescues or made available for adoption will be tested: kittens under 3 months found with mothers don't require testing if mom is negative; kittens found without moms but as an entire litter only require one kitten to be tested and their result will be sufficient for the entire litter (unless it's positive then retest them, and if still positive then test all kittens in the litter); kittens between 3-6 months need to be tested; all cats over 6 months need to be tested; all positive results go to Austin Pets Alive per the operations agreement. SO BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Animal Services staff will not make process changes that are contrary to documents that support them; and SO BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, all adopters and fosters should receive education that states negative results at the time of bringing into their home is not a guarantee due to the incubation period of the disease so FeLV vaccine protocols for resident cats are strongly recommended. SO BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Animal Services staff be required to consult with and educate all affected parties when a cost saving budget decision impacts the health and well being of Austin and Travis County pets; and SO BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Animal Services staff be required to take the goals of the Animal Services Strategic Plan into consideration when making budget decisions; and SO BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Animal Services not make budget cuts that negatively impact the goals of the Animal Services Strategic Plan. Date of Approval: Motioned by: Seconded by: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Recuse: Off Dais: Absent: Attest: