January 2025 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT 1 Animal Services News • The live outcome rate for January was 96.28%. • A total of 852 animals were brought to the shelter which included 481 dogs, 346 cats, 12 wild animals, 7 rabbits, 2 pigeons, 2 guinea pigs, one lizard, and one chicken. • A total of 595 animals were adopted (172 adult dogs, 118 puppies, 192 kittens, and 113 adult cats). • A total of 80 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • On January 1, there were 807 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (485 onsite, 319 in foster, 2 at a vet • On February 1, there were 745 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (460 onsite, 280 in foster, 2 at a vet clinic, and 0 at TLAC). clinic, and 1 at TLAC). Animal Protection • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 37 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 31 fencing assistance applications and implanted 7 microchip(s). • Officers impounded 90 injured animals and delivered approximately 28 wildlife animals to Austin Wildlife Rescue. positive bat. • Officers entered 212 rabies exposure reports and submitted 12 specimens for rabies testing. We had 1 • There were 86 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 47 sightings o 29 wild sick o 3 incidents o 1 observations o 2 encounters o 3 wild injured o 1 wild speak • Out of 86 coyote related activities, 53 (62%) reports fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, incident, and observation) o Encounters: Pets were a factor in 2/2 (100%) of encounters reported. ▪ 1/2 encounters (50%) involved a coyote with mange following caller and dog ▪ 1/2 encounters (50%) involved a coyote “approached” caller and dog o Incidents: Pets were a factor in 3/3 (100%) of incidents reported. ▪ 1/3 incidents (33%) involved a coyote “acting aggressive”. Unable to contact the ▪ 1/3 incidents (33%) involved a coyote growling at caller. Unable to contact the caller caller for more information for more information ▪ 1/3 incidents (33%) involved a coyote “aggressively approaching” caller and dog. Unable to contact the caller for more information • Out of 86 coyote related reports, 33 (38%) reports were updated to the correct behavior types. o 8 …
Proposed Additions to ASO Strategic Plan Spay Neuter (Page 13) • Goal 2: Add language to Strategy A as noted in underlined terms so that sentence is: “Partner with volunteers and organizations that support community cats to identify opportunities to enhance, reduce barriers to, and maximize the impact of trap-neuter-return programs. Open Intake (Page 14) Open Intake (Page 15): • Goal 1: Add Strategy C as follows: “C. Develop methods to identify and implement policies to prioritize emergency cases and most at-risk animals for immediate intake.” • Goal 3: Remove “Get” in title. • Add language to Strategy A as noted in underlined terms so that sentence is: “Review, research, and provide recommendations on policies, regulations, processes, and programs that advance pet- friendly policies (e.g., restrictions on pet rent, pet deposits, breed restrictions, and weight limits), seeking review and/or approval from governing bodies as applicable. Live Release (Page 16): Live Release (Page 17): • Goal 1: Add Strategy G as follows: “G. Develop and implement plan to foster media partnerships and increase opportunities for media coverage.” • Goal 2: Add Strategy E as follows: “E. Analyze and explore opportunities for fixed satellite adoption centers in high-traffic locations.”
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250210-005 Date: February 10, 2025 Subject: Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030 Motioned By: Commissioner Nilson Recommendation The Animal Advisory Commission recommends the Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030 as written, with the following modifications passed by the Commission: Seconded By: Vice Chair Linder Spay Neuter (Page 13) • Goal 2: Add language to Strategy A as noted in underlined terms so that sentence is: “Partner with volunteers and organizations that support community cats to identify opportunities to enhance, reduce barriers to, and maximize the impact of trap-neuter- return programs. Open Intake (Page 14) Open Intake (Page 15): Live Release (Page 16): Live Release (Page 17): Open Intake (Page 26): • Goal 1: Add Strategy C as follows: “C. Develop methods to identify and implement policies to prioritize emergency cases and most at-risk animals for immediate intake.” • Goal 3: Remove “Get” in title. • Add language to Strategy A as noted in underlined terms so that sentence is: “Review, research, and provide recommendations on policies, regulations, processes, and programs that advance pet-friendly policies (e.g., restrictions on pet rent, pet deposits, breed restrictions, and weight limits), seeking review and/or approval from governing bodies as applicable. • Goal 1: Add Strategy G as follows: “G. Develop and implement plan to foster media partnerships in English and Spanish and increase opportunities for media coverage.” • Goal 2: Add Strategy E as follows: “E. Analyze and explore opportunities for fixed satellite adoption centers in high-traffic locations.” • Goal 1, Measures 1 and 2: Request that those measurements be categorized for strays and owner surrenders and listed by the number of animals in each category as well. 1 of 2 Vote For: Chair Clinton, Vice Chair Linder, Commissioners Dulzaides, Herrera, Huddleston, Nemer, Nilson, Smagula, and Tucker. Against: n/a Abstain: n/a Absent: Commissioner Hoke Recuse: Commissioner Holt Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] Christi Vitela Animal Advisory Staff Liaison 2 of 2
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 10, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on February 10, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Sarah Huddleston, D9 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Larry Tucker, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Luis Herrera, D6 Whitney Holt, D5 Commissioners Absent: Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Rochelle Vickery – Dogs Pat Valls-Trelles – Performance Measures APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2025. 1 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on January 13, The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting on January 13, 2025, was approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Huddleston’s second, on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Hoke was absent. STAFF BRIEFING DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. The presentation was made by Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. 3. Presentation by Austin Pets Alive! regarding license agreements reports. The presentation was made by Stephanie Bilbro, Austin Pets Alive! Director of Operations. 4. Discussion of the draft Animal Services Strategic Plan. The presentation was made by Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager, Audrey Muntz, Budget and Performance Manager, Financial Services Department, Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the draft Animal Services Strategic Plan. The motion to amend the Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030 with the titled “Proposed Additions to ASO Strategic Plan” was made by Vice Chair Linder, seconded by Commissioner Huddleston. The amendments were as follows: “Spay Neuter (Page 13) • Goal 2: Add language to Strategy A as noted in underlined terms so that sentence is: “Partner with volunteers and organizations that support community cats to identify opportunities to enhance, reduce barriers to, and maximize the impact of trap-neuter-return programs. Goal 1: Add Strategy C as follows: “C. Develop methods to identify and Open Intake (Page 14) • implement policies to prioritize emergency cases and most at-risk animals for immediate intake.” Open Intake (Page 15): • Goal 3: Remove “Get” in title. 2 • Add language to Strategy A as noted in underlined terms so that sentence is: “Review, research, and provide recommendations …
REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, January 13, 2025, 6 p.m. Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions 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 December 9, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEM 2. Receive feedback from members of the public regarding the draft Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030. 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 DECEMBER 9, 2024 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on December 9, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Luis Herrera, D6 Lotta Smagula, D1 Larry Tucker, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Whitney Holt, D5 Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Sarah Huddleston, D9 Commissioners Absent: Dr. Amanda Bruce, D10 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Deborah Ro – TNR in the community Laura Nesmith – TNR in the community Wendy Weiss - TNR in the community Jacobi Alvarez – TNR in the community Rochelle Vickery – TNR in the community 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on October 14, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of October 14, 2024, was approved on Commissioner Tucker’s motion, Commissioner Herrera’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Bruce, Nemer, and Nilson were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. The presentation was made by Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. Discussion of the Animal Services strategic plan and planning process. A presentation was made by Stephanie Hayden-Howard, Assistant City Manager, Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager, Audrey Muntz, Budget and Performance Manager, Financial Services Department, and Dr. Larry Schooler, Consultant. None. A motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:49 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Dulzaides’ motion, Commissioner Tucker’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Bruce, Nemer, and Nilson were absent. The minutes were approved at the XX, meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X vote. 2
HUMANE CARE Measures: Strategies: CITY OF AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICE STRATEGIC PLAN 2025-2030 DRAFT 01.08.2025 Vision: The vision of the Animal Services Office (ASO) is to provide services and resources that allow people and animals to thrive in the city of Austin. Description: Meet animals’ physical and emotional needs and ensure a high quality of life for animals in shelter and foster care by providing enrichment, behavioral support, and well- maintained facilities. Goal: Increase enrichment, socialization, and behavioral services • # of times out of kennel per day per dogs (2 times for large dogs, 3 times for small dogs) • % of animals with daily in-kennel enrichment • # of staff training hours in animal behavior • Expand capacity to provide enrichment and socialization services for all animals through adequate staff, volunteers, funding, and partnerships • Offer staff training and educational opportunities in animal behavior • Enhance support for fosters through training and resources Goal: Improve campus facilities and physical spaces Measures: • Average amount of time between issue identification and entry of work order into Building Services system • Additional location analysis completed within 12 months of strategic plan implementation Strategies: • • In partnership with the Building Services Department, identify opportunities to enhance proactive maintenance and optimize facility operations Identify priority facility upgrades and develop a timeline to enhance animal and staff spaces for optimal care and safety • Research, analyze, and explore additional locations to offer ASO services throughout the community (i.e., new satellite locations, secondary locations) ASO Strategic Plan 2025-2030 Final Draft, 01.08.2025 Subject to further review and revision by the Animal Advisory Commission, City Management, and Austin City Council page 1 Goal: Enhance shelter cleanliness and sanitation • Pass yearly state health inspection • Quarterly kennel cleanliness audit Measures: Strategies: Measures: Strategies: • Establish and implement a sanitation protocol for facilities and kennels aligned with best practices, including routine checks to maintain a high standard of cleanliness Goal: Develop responsible pathways for all eligible animals emphasizing those with behavioral needs • % of at-risk animals who have a behavioral training plan • % of behavioral animals placed with partners and rescues • % of adult animals in ASO care beyond 30 days who are plead for foster or rescue placement • % of behavioral animals in ASO who are plead for foster placement • Total number of cats and dogs over 30 days • …
REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION January 13, 2025, 6 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 W. 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 AGENDA ADDENDUM CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL STAFF BRIEFING 3. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Staff briefing on the draft Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030. 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.
Strategic Planning Update to Animal Advisory Commission Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer Audrey Muntz, Budget and Performance Manager January 13, 2025 Strategic Planning Team & Working Group PLANNING TEAM • Responsible for coordination of the strategic planning process, including managing timelines, selecting Working Group members, and plan refinement. Included representatives from ASO staff, Animal Advisory Commission, City Manager’s Office, and Travis County WORKING GROUP • Responsible for using feedback and information gathered from stakeholders, along with their expertise in animal welfare, to collaboratively develop the strategic plan during a series of workshops facilitated by the external consultant • Included Planning Team, a community advocate and representatives from: 2 o ASO staff o ASO volunteers o Animal Advisory Commission o Austin Humane Society o Austin Lost and Found o Austin Pets Alive o City Manager’s Office o Classic Canines o Emancipet o TRAPRS Trapping, Rescue and Pet Recovery Service o Travis County 2 Strategic Planning Process Overview Purpose: To map out the strategic planning process. External consultant Dr. Larry Schooler hired Planning Team and Working Group members identified STRATEGIC PLAN PREPARATION Apr to Jun 2024 PHASE 1: ASSESSMENT Jun to Aug 2024 PHASE 2: STRATEGIC PLAN FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT Aug 2024 to Jan 2025 PHASE 3: STRATEGIC PLAN FINALIZATION Jan to Mar 2025 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. 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. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 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 Held five initial workshops with the Working Group Shared draft focus areas and goals with stakeholders Held staff town hall to gather feedback on draft framework Conducted community survey to gather feedback on draft framework Feedback shared with …
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 13, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on January 13, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Nancy Nemer, Travis County Luis Herrera, D6 Whitney Holt, D5 Larry Tucker, D7 Commissioners Absent: Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Lotta Smagula, D1 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Kayla Murray – Adoption difficulties Pat Valls-Trelles – Animal Services Budget Laura Ransan Nesmith - TNR Wendy Weiss – TNR Deborah Ro – TNR Rochelle Vickery – Abandoned Dogs 1 Robert Corbin – Off leash dogs APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on December 9, 2024 The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of December 9, 2024, was approved on Vice Chair Linder’s motion, Commissioner Huddleston’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Nilson abstained. Commissioners Hoke and Smagula were absent. The motion to take up Item 3 before Item 2 was approved on Vice Chair Linder’s motion, Commissioner Huddleston’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Hoke and Smagula were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 3. Staff briefing on the draft Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030. The presentation was made by Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager, Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Service Office, and Audrey Muntz, Budget and Performance Manager, Financial Services Department. Vice Chair Linder requested that staff provide the introduction and background for the Strategic Plan and any additional language that precedes the Strategic Plan. DISCUSSION ITEM 2. Receive feedback from members of the public regarding the draft Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030. Discussed. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Community cat processing Working Group (Clinton, Huddleston) A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:24 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Dulzaides’ second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Hoke and Smagula were absent. 2 The minutes were approved at the February 10, 2025, meeting on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Huddleston’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Hoke was absent. 3
REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION December 9, 2024, 6 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 W. 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 Eric Anderson at eric.anderson@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Parliamentarian, 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 Dr. Amanda Bruce, D10 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 October 14, 2024. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion of the Animal Services strategic plan and planning process. 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 Eric Anderson, Office of (512) 974-2562 or eric.anderson@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Animal Advisory Commission, please contact Eric Anderson at (512) 974-2562 or eric.anderson@austintexas.gov. the City Clerk at
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 14, 2024 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on October 14, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Luis Herrera, D6 Whitney Holt, D5 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Lotta Smagula, D1 Larry Tucker, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Dr. Amanda Bruce, D10 Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Sarah Huddleston, D9 Commissioners Absent: Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Rochelle Vickery – Spay & neuter event, community cats program Laura Nesmith – Behind the misunderstood work behind TNR Deborah Ro – TNR’s positive impact on our community Jacobi Alvarez – TNR needs Diane Odegaard – Glue trap ban and bats Pat Valls Trelles – Community Cats Program 1 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on August 12, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of August 12, 2024, was approved on Commissioner Holt’s motion, Commissioner Smagula’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Nilson abstained. Commissioner Dulzaides was absent. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on September 9, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of September 9, 2024, with the following correction was approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Holt’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Dulzaides was absent. The correction was to revise the action for Item 1 to read: “The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of August 12, 2024, failed on Commissioner Smagula’s motion, Commissioner Holt’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Nilson abstained. Parliamentarian Nemer, Commissioners Bruce, Herrera, Hoke, and Tucker were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 3. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. The presentation was made by Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services and Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. A motion to take up Item 7 next was made by Commissioner Holt, seconded by Commissioner Herrera, and approved on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Dulzaides was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve a recommendation to Council to ban glue traps at City of Austin owned and/or managed facilities. A motion to approve the recommendation was made by Commissioner Holt and seconded by Commissioner Herrera. A motion …
Animal Services Office Statistical Report – November 2022-2024 November 2024 Intake November 2023 Intake November 2022 Intake November 2024 Adoptions November 2023 Adoptions November 2022 Adoptions November 2024 RTOs November 2023 RTOs November 2022 RTOs November 2024 Animals Euthanized November 2023 Animals Euthanized November 2022 Animals Euthanized November 2024 Total Live Release Rate November 2023 Total Live Release Rate November 2022 Total Live Release Rate November 2024 Animal Vaccinations November 2023 Animal Vaccinations November 2022 Animal Vaccinations October 2024 Spayed/Neuter at AAC November 2023 Spayed/Neutered at AAC November 2022 Spayed/Neutered at AAC November 2024 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster November 2023 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster November 2022 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster November 2024 Animals Transferred: November 2023 Animals Transferred November 2022 Animals Transferred November 2024 Animal Lost, Stolen or Missing November 2023 Animals Lost, Stolen or Missing November 2022 Animals Lost, Stolen or Missing November 2024 SNR Program November 2023 SNR Program November 2022 SNR Program November 2024 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO November 2023 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO November 2022 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO
Information is from October 1, 2024– November 30, 2024 Information compiled via ASO Power BI dashboards. Difference of outcomes - intakes Outcome Year (fiscal) Intake Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Dog totals Cat totals Totals Dog totals Cat totals Totals Cats Adoption Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total Dog Adoption Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total RTO/RTO Adopt SNR (former SCRP) RTO/RTO Adopt 2025 748 982 1730 2025 727 984 1711 2025 -21 2 -19 2025 662 32 168 27 20 0 75 984 2025 472 118 107 28 2 0 727
November 2024 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT 1 Animal Services News • The live outcome rate for November was 96.09%. • A total of 762 animals were brought to the shelter which included 395 cats, 327 dogs, 25 wild animals, 6 rabbits, 2 guinea pigs, 2 ferrets, and 1 goat. • A total of 547 animals were adopted (101 adult dogs, 121 puppies, 244 kittens, and 81 adult cats). • A total of 62 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • On November 1, there were 1,001 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (606 onsite, 390 in foster, 1 at a vet clinic, and 2 at TLAC). • On December 1, there were 937 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (551 onsite, 384 in foster, 1 at a vet clinic, and 1 at TLAC). Animal Protection • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 50 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 32 fencing assistance applications and implanted 4 microchip(s). • Officers impounded 111 injured animals and delivered approximately 54 wildlife animals to Austin Wildlife Rescue. • Officers entered 194 rabies exposure reports and submitted 30 specimens for rabies testing. We had 6 positive bats and 3 decomposed bats. • There were 92 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 37 sightings o 34 wild sick o 10 incidents o 4 wild speak o 3 observations o 2 encounters o 2 wild injured • Out of 92 coyote related activities, 52 (57%) reports fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, incident, and observation) o Encounters: Pets were a factor in 2/2 (100%) of encounters reported. ▪ 1/2 encounters (50%) involved a coyote entering a fenced backyard with dog present ▪ 1/2 encounters (50%) involved a coyote following a resident and dog 2 o Incidents: Pets were a factor in 10/10 (100%) of incidents reported. ▪ 3/10 incidents (30%) involved a coyote killing an unsupervised outside cat ▪ 1/10 incidents (10%) involved a coyote killing two unsupervised off-leash dogs ▪ 1/10 incidents (10%) involved a coyote killing a free-ranging chicken ▪ 2/10 incidents (20%) involved a coyote eating an animal, but unsure if domesticated or wildlife ▪ 1/10 incidents (10%) involved a coyote growling at the caller ▪ 1/10 incidents (10%) involved two coyotes …
