Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 __ Austin Animal Advisory Commission__ (Official Name of Board or Commission) The Board/Commission mission statement (per City Code Section 2-1-102) is: Advise the city council and the Travis County Commissioners Court on compliance with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 823 (Animal Shelters), city code, and council objectives. Advise council and Travis County Commissioners Court on animal welfare policies and on budget priorities identified by the Commission and the community, except on issues related to the administration of the Animal Services Division. Promote collaboration between the City and interested parties relating to animal welfare in the city. Identify proactive, creative approaches to engage and facilitate communication within animal welfare community, and foster and assist the development of animal welfare programs in the community. Promote collaboration between the City and private citizens, institutions, and agencies interested in or conducting activities relating to animal welfare in the City. The commission may study, advise, and report on policy recommendations it deems effective to promote animal welfare outcomes consistent with City goals and objectives as outlined by City Council and the City Manager. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. (Reference all reports, recommendations, letters or resolutions presented to the City Council on mission-specific issues. If some of the elements of the mission statement were not acted on by the board in the past year, the report should explain why no action was taken.) Annual Review and Work Plan Year Page # In FY 2024, the Austin Animal Advisory Commission: • Held monthly public meetings other than a planned lack of meeting in November 2024 and the May 2025 meeting being cancelled due to lack of quorum • Received public comment on animal issues • Provided a public forum for monthly reports on Animal Services and operations at the Austin Animal Center • Received quarterly briefings from Austin Pets Alive • Received briefings from City staff regarding the Animal Services Office Strategic Planning Process • Received feedback and conducted discussion regarding the draft Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030 • Received briefings from City staff regarding the implementation of Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030 • Received briefings and presentations from City staff regarding: Bond Election Advisory …
August 2025 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT 1 On May 5, 2025, Animal Services transitioned to a new database for shelter management. This transition is ongoing and has potentially impacted data reporting. Austin Animal Center Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • The live outcome rate for August was 95.70%. • A total of 964 animals were brought to the shelter which included 544 cats, 411 dogs, 4 rabbits, 2 reptiles, a bird and a guinea pig. • A total of 604 animals were adopted (147 adult dogs, 68 puppies, 260 kittens, 120 adult cats, 4 rabbits, 4 guinea pigs, and a rodent). • A total of 64 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • On August 1, there were 1306 animals within the ASO inventory. • On September 1, there were 1241 animals within the ASO inventory. Animal Protection Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 7 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 6 fencing assistance applications and implanted 1 microchip(s). • Officers impounded 32 injured animals and 114 regular or sick animals. • Officers submitted 35 specimens for rabies testing. We had 7 positive bats, 3 decomposed bats, and 1 destroyed skunk. Wildlife Data is partially incomplete and does not include non-coyote wildlife. • There were 30 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 12 sightings, 9 wild sick, 6 encounters, 2 incidents, 1 wild speak • Out of 30 coyote related activities, 20 (67%) reports fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, incident, and observation) o Encounters: Pets were a factor in 4/6 (67%) of encounters reported 1/6 encounters (17%) involved a coyote barking at the caller 1/6 encounters (17%) involved a coyote chasing after a dog in off-leash dog trail 1/6 encounters (17%) involved two coyotes following caller and off leash dog 2/6 encounters (33%) involved dogs chasing after coyotes with mange 1/6 encounters (17%) coyote followed caller o Incidents: Pets were a factor in 2/2 (100%) of incidents reported 1/2 incidents (50%) involved a coyote killing two outside unsupervised feral cats 1/2 incidents (50%) did not have anything stated in the memo and could not make contact with caller. Volunteer Data …
Reporting AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES Animal Advisory Commission September 8, 2025 Rolando Fernandez Jr. Animal Services Interim Director Jason Garza Animal Services Deputy Director Monthly Reporting AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES 2 AUSTIN ANIMAL CENTER MONTHLY DATA The live outcome rate for August was 95.70%. 964 animals were brought to the shelter 604 animals were adopted 64 dogs and cats were returned to their owners August 1, 2025 1306 animals in the ASO inventory September 1, 2025 1241 animals in the ASO inventory 3 ANIMAL PROTECTION FIELD DATA Field Return to Owner (RTO) Fencing Applications Impounded Injured Impounded Regular or Sick Rabies Specimens In-Field Owner Surrenders 7 6 32 114 35 21 WILDLIFE COYOTES Coyote Related Activities 30 Activities Breakdown 9 wild sick 2 incidents 12 sightings 6 encounters 1 wild speak 4 VOLUNTEERING HOURS OVERVIEW 577 volunteers contributed 7,440.07 hours 4 orientations, introducing 115 potential volunteers 18 Community Service Restitution individuals to perform 200.25 hours 39 individuals donated 78 hours toward group volunteer service, through dog-walking and cat care SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook • 1.22 million page views • 321,000 unique individuals • 33,000 content interactions Instagram • 1 million page views • 112,000 unique individuals • 40,000 content interactions 5 FOSTER AND RESCUE In August, 21 different rescue partners pulled a total of 261 domestic animals from the Austin Animal Center. • 426 different people/families fostered. • As of September 2 @ 8:56 a.m. there are 339 animals in foster care. • 21 animals were a part of Finder to Foster • More than 162 animals were adopted directly from foster care. • 155 new foster applications were processed. • There are currently 1001 approved foster care providers 6 VET SERVICES • 515 spay/neuter surgeries were performed in August. • 1644 animals were vaccinated. • 0 visibly pregnant animals were spayed. • 261 animals were transferred to rescue organizations. • 35 animals were euthanized in July. • 28 for severe injury, neurological, congenital, cardiac, suffering, toxicity, or agonal reasons. • 7 for court ordered euthanasia. 7 Process for Notification AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES 8 URGENT PLACEMENT LIST ELIGIBLE FOR ADOPTION AND FOSTER The Urgent Placement List (UPL) is used to inform the public, rescue groups, stakeholders, and partner organizations about dogs in urgent need of placement. The UPL will be updated regularly, maintained as a live resource on the ASO website, and distributed weekly to all subscribed stakeholders. The UPL is made of …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Rolando Fernandez Jr., Interim Animal Services Officer September 4, 2025 Updated Process for Notification to Rescue Organizations The purpose of this memorandum is to provide a follow-up to the June 11, 2025 Animal Services Office (ASO) memo regarding Notification of Euthanasia, Dog Behavior and Risk Assessments, and Process Improvements. After receiving feedback from professional staff, volunteers, and stakeholders, ASO is initiating improvements in two key areas 1) identification of animals earlier in the process for rescue only options with proper notifications, and 2) identification of public safety risk animals sooner to move forward with the necessary steps to identify an appropriate outcome with proper notifications. Urgent Placement List ASO will continue to use the Urgent Placement List (UPL) to inform the public, rescue groups, stakeholders, and partner organizations about dogs in urgent need of placement. The UPL will be updated regularly, maintained as a live resource on the ASO website, and distributed weekly to all subscribed stakeholders. To improve transparency and clarity, the UPL will categorize dogs into the following groups: 1. Exhibit behavioral concerns, 2. A bite history that does not pose a public safety threat; or 3. Experience a poor-quality of life. Rescue Placement List By the 5th business day of the month, ASO will publish a new notification list titled the Rescue Placement List (RPL). The RPL will identify dogs with: • A bite history and/or significant behavioral concerns that pose a threat to public safety if placed without specialized support. Dogs on the RPL are only eligible for placement through qualified rescue partners equipped to provide the behavioral rehabilitation and structure required for these animals to become safe in a community setting. Placement on the RPL communicates that a dog’s only available outcome is either rescue or humane euthanasia. PAGE: DATE: SUBJECT: 2 of 3 August 25, 2025 Updated Process for Notification to Rescue Organizations The week after the RPL is published, ASO will provide notification to stakeholders on the euthanasia listing to inform the 5-Business Day Commitment period. A summary email is provided including all ASO efforts to place dog. During this time, ASO will collaborate with rescue organizations to explore placement opportunities. Each request for rescue will be reviewed based on: • • The dog's behavioral and bite history and …
Animal Advisory Commission Minutes September 8, 2025 Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, September 8, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Austin City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Room 1101 in 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 Erin Ferguson, D8 Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Koby Ahmed, Mayor Ryan Clinton, Travis County Whitney Holt, D5 David Loignon, D10 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Commissioners Absent: Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Sarah Huddleston, D9 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Julie Oliver – Safety failure at AAC Rochelle Vickery – Behavioral support for dogs at AAC APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on August 11, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on August 11, 2025, was approved on Commissioner Norton’s motion, Commissioner Ferguson’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Dulzaides and Huddleston were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 Animal Advisory Commission Minutes September 8, 2025 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. Staff briefing on Updated Process for Euthanasia Notification provided by Rebekha Montie, Program Manager II, Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. The presentation was made by Rebekha Montie, Program Manager II, Austin Animal Services, Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services, and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Update on the implementation of the prohibition of the purchase of and usage of all glue traps at City-owned and/or City-managed facilities based on the Animal Advisory Commission’s Recommendation 20241014-007. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. Approve the Animal Advisory Commission Annual Internal Review. The motion to approve the Animal Advisory Commission Annual Internal Review as amended below was approved on Commissioner Norton’s motion, Commissioner Ferguson’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Dulzaides and Huddleston were absent. The amendment was to insert “from the public” to the sixth bullet …
REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION August 11, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, 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 or in person, contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Travis County Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Whitney Holt, D5 Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 Erin Ferguson, D8 Sarah Huddleston, D9 David Loignon, D10 Koby Ahmed, Mayor AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 July 14, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. 3. Staff briefing on Close Out Report on GoodFix Spay and Neuter Clinics and current Spay and Neuter count provided by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion of the Bond Election priorities as it relates to the delivery of animal services. 5. Discussion of heart worm testing and monthly preventative for animals at the Austin Animal Center. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 6. Good Fix Working Group recommendation regarding animal welfare policies and marketing priorities. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding animal welfare policies and marketing priorities. 8. Conduct officer election for Chair. 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 …
Animal Advisory Commission Minutes July 14, 2025 Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, July 14, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Austin City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Room 1101 in Austin, Texas. Parliamentarian Jo Anne Norton called the Animal Advisory Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Erin Ferguson, D8 Whitney Holt, D5 David Loignon, D10 Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Koby Ahmed, Mayor Ryan Clinton, Travis County Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Commissioners Absent: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Nancy Nemer, Travis County PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Kaitlan Brandstetter – Implementation for ASO’s strategic plan Suzie Chase – Austin Pets Alive! Update Rochelle Vickery– TNR Group Termination Pat Valls-Trelles – Agenda Comprehension and Supporting Rochelle Vickery Julie Oliver- Support Rochelle Vickery, Staff Compliments, and Budget 1 Animal Advisory Commission Minutes July 14, 2025 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on April 14, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on April 14, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Holt’s motion, Commissioner Loignon’s second on a 9-0 vote. Vice Chair Linder and Commissioner Nemer were absent. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on June 9, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on June 9, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Holt’s motion, Commissioner Dulzaides’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Clinton abstained. Vice Chair Linder and Commissioner Nemer were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. 4. 5. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. Staff briefing regarding the Animal Services Office’s hot weather protocol by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Robert Golembeski, Operation Manager, and Pat D’Angelo, Building Services Manager, Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Robert Golembeski, Operation Manager, Animal Services Office and Pat D’Angelo, Building Services Manager, Building Services Department. Staff briefing regarding the Animal Services Office’s Three-Year Public Relations Plan by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office, Melissa Pool, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Animal Services Office and Elizabeth Ferrer, Marketing …
Outcome vs. Intake FY 25 Information is from October 1, 2024– July 31, 2025 Intake Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Outcome Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Difference of outcomes - intakes Dog totals Cat totals Totals Cats - Outcomes Adoption RTO/RTO Adopt Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing SNR (former SCRP) Total Dog - Outcomes Adoption RTO/RTO Adopt Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total 2025 4313 5275 9588 2025 4104 5066 9170 2025 -209 -209 -418 2025 3062 176 1053 239 141 8 387 5066 2025 2569 604 761 131 36 3 4104
July 2025 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT 1 On May 5, 2025, Animal Services transitioned to a new database for shelter management. This transition is ongoing and has potentially impacted data reporting. Austin Animal Center Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • The live outcome rate for July was 93.16%. • A total of 1,094 animals were brought to the shelter which included 633 cats, 446 dogs, 43 non-dog/cat mammals/marsupials/wild birds, 8 rabbits, and 7 reptiles. • A total of 767 animals were adopted (178 adult dogs, 67 puppies, 404 kittens, 116 adult cats, and 2 guinea pigs). • A total of 82 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • On July 1, there were 1530 animals within the ASO inventory. • On August 1, there were 1306 animals within the ASO inventory. Animal Protection Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 12 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 2 fencing assistance applications and implanted 0 microchip(s). • Officers impounded 24 injured animals and 114 regular or sick animals. • Officers submitted 40 specimens for rabies testing. We had 3 positive bats, 2 decomposed bats, and 1 destroyed bat. Wildlife Data is partially incomplete and does not include non-coyote wildlife. • There were 40 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 17 wild sick, 16 sightings, 4 wild injured, 2 incidents, 1 encounter • Out of 40 coyote related activities, 19 (48%) reports fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, incident, and observation) o Encounters: Pets were a factor in 0/1 (0%) of encounters reported 1/1 encounters (100%) involved coyote not responding to hazing efforts made by the resident o Incidents: Pets were a factor in 2/2 (100%) of incidents reported 2/2 incidents (100%) involved off-leash dogs going off trail and getting bitten by a coyote Volunteer Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • 594 volunteers contributed 7,307.43 hours in July. • • The Volunteer Program held 4 orientations, introducing 123 potential volunteers to shelter operations. The Volunteer Program scheduled 16 Community Service Restitution individuals to perform 145.2 hours of laundry, dishes and other duties as assigned. • 185 volunteers dedicated their time to volunteer development and onboarding training. …
Reporting AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES Animal Advisory Commission August 11, 2025 Rolando Fernandez Jr. Animal Services Interim Director Jason Garza Animal Services Deputy Director 1 Monthly Reporting AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES 2 AUSTIN ANIMAL CENTER MONTHLY DATA The live outcome rate for July was 94.27%. 1,094 animals were brought to the shelter 767 animals were adopted 82 dogs and cats were returned to their owners July 1, 2025 1530 animals in the ASO inventory August 1, 2025 1306 animals in the ASO inventory 3 ANIMAL PROTECTION FIELD DATA Field Return to Owner (RTO) Fencing Applications Impounded Injured Impounded Regular or Sick Rabies Specimens 12 2 24 114 40 WILDLIFE COYOTES Coyote Related Activities 40 Activities Breakdown 17 wild sick 2 incidents 16 sightings 1 encounter 4 wild injured 4 VOLUNTEERING HOURS OVERVIEW 594 volunteers contributed 7,307.43 hours 4 orientations, introducing 123 potential volunteers 16 Community Service Restitution individuals to perform 145.2 hours 27 individuals donated 54 hours toward group volunteer service, through dog-walking and cat care SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook • 1.52 million page views • 472,000 unique individuals • 47,000 content interactions Instagram • 1.1 million page views • 271,000 unique individuals • 51,000 content interactions 5 FOSTER AND RESCUE In July, 13 different rescue partners pulled a total of 314 domestic animals from the Austin Animal Center. • This total included: 100 kittens, 100 cats, 48 puppies, 57 dogs, 4 guinea pigs, 4 rabbits, and 1 reptile • 476 different people/families fostered. • As of August 1st @ 7:30 a.m. there are 456 animals in foster care. • 31 animals were a part of Finder to Foster • More than 273 animals were adopted directly from foster care. • 341 new foster applications were processed. • There are currently 902 approved foster care providers 6 VET SERVICES • 615 spay/neuter surgeries were performed in July. • 1206 animals were vaccinated. • 0 visibly pregnant animals were spayed. • 345 animals were transferred to rescue organizations. • 66 animals were euthanized in July. • 64 for severe injury, neurological, congenital, cardiac, suffering, toxicity, or agonal reasons. • 2 for court ordered euthanasia. 7 Spay and Neuter AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES 8 SPAY/NEUTER SURGERIES BY THE YEAR FY2020 4642 FY2020 5986 Surgeries performed In-house FY2022 6079 FY2021 4916 FY2023 5217 Surgeries performed via Contract FY2022 4761 FY2023 7571 FY2021 4956 FY2024 5641 FY2024 10628 Austin Animal Services supports the community and the welfare of …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Animal Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (20250811-7): Animal Welfare Policies and Marketing Priorities WHEREAS, spay neuter surgeries are critical services provided to the community to stabilize and ultimately reduce shelter intake of unplanned litters of kittens and puppies; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin contracted with Greater Good Charities to provide high-quality, high-volume community spay/neuter services for up to seven (7) free clinics for the residents of Austin and Travis County with the goal of up to 1,200 animals spayed/neutered for each clinic; and WHEREAS, during each of the four (4) prior clinics the maximum goal of 1,200 animals spayed/neuterd per clinic was not met; and WHEREAS, when significant efforts by the public to assist with marketing the clinic resulted in an excellent turnout for the fifth clinic held in July 2025; and WHEREAS, when Austin Animal Center worked with all their partners and increased marketing efforts it also contributed to the success of the fifth clinic. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Animal Advisory Commission encourages the Austin City Council to support the following marketing recommendations to ensure continued excellent turnout for future spay neuter clinics by: 1. Recommending Austin Animal Center’s marketing team find new and creative ways to encourage participation in the free spay neuter clinics by posting clinic information in the Austin Chronicle, requesting the site hosting the clinic to cross promote, requesting more media coverage both before and during the clinic, creating more variety in social media posts about the clinic, and reaching out to contracted nonprofits providing services for APH/HHS to promote the clinic. 2. Recommending Austin Animal Center’s Community Cats Program work with the Greater Good Charities/Good Fix team to determine how many community cats they can accept each clinic day and plan and work with volunteer trappers and community members to fill these slots. 3. Recommending Austin Animal Center’s customer service team promote the clinic by posting flyers outside the Pet Resource Center, distributing flyers to customers, including a link to clinic information in the auto-reply for all shelter emails, emailing clinic information to every pet owner who has reclaimed their pet intact, and harvesting emails from 311 requests for the past year and email flyers to those addresses. 4. Recommending Austin Animal Center’s outreach team reinstate their spay and neuter outreach efforts where they picked up and transported owned pets to be sterilized and vaccinated and returned to their …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Animal Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (20250811-7): Animal Welfare Policies and Marketing Priorities WHEREAS, spay neuter surgeries are critical services provided to the community to stabilize and ultimately reduce shelter intake of unplanned litters of kittens and puppies; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin contracted with Greater Good Charities to provide high-quality, high-volume community spay/neuter services for up to seven (7) free clinics for the residents of Austin and Travis County with the goal of up to 1,200 animals spayed/neutered for each clinic; and WHEREAS, during each of the four (4) prior clinics the maximum goal of 1,200 animals spayed/neuterd per clinic was not met; and WHEREAS, when significant efforts by the public to assist with marketing the clinic resulted in an excellent turnout for the fifth clinic held in July 2025; and WHEREAS, when Austin Animal Center worked with all their partners and increased marketing efforts it also contributed to the success of the fifth clinic. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Animal Advisory Commission encourages the Austin City Council and the Travis County Commissioners Court to support the following marketing recommendations to ensure continued excellent turnout for future spay neuter clinics by: 1. Recommending Austin Animal Center’s marketing team find new and creative ways to encourage participation in the free spay neuter clinics by posting clinic information in the Austin Chronicle, requesting the site hosting the clinic to cross promote, requesting more media coverage both before and during the clinic, creating more variety in social media posts about the clinic, and reaching out to contracted nonprofits providing services for APH/HHS to promote the clinic. 2. Recommending Austin Animal Center’s Community Cats Program work with the Greater Good Charities/Good Fix team to determine how many community cats they can accept each clinic day and plan and work with volunteer trappers and community members to fill these slots. 3. Recommending Austin Animal Center’s customer service team promote the clinic by posting flyers outside the Pet Resource Center, distributing flyers to customers, including a link to clinic information in the auto-reply for all shelter emails, emailing clinic information to every pet owner who has reclaimed their pet intact, and harvesting emails from 311 requests for the past year and email flyers to those addresses. 4. Recommending Austin Animal Center’s outreach team reinstate their spay and neuter outreach efforts where they picked up and transported owned pets to be sterilized …
Animal Advisory Commission Minutes August 11, 2025 Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, August 11, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Austin City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Room 1101 in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Travis County Erin Ferguson, D8 Whitney Holt, D5 David Loignon, D10 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Koby Ahmed, Mayor Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 Commissioners Absent: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Heather Meyer - AAC Operations Comments Rochelle Vickery - Cat Trapping and Shelter Needs Shelly Leibham - Restore emergency vet funding Julie Oliver - AAC Operations Comments Max Oliver - Restore emergency vet funding Suzie Chase - Austin Pets Alive! Update 1 Animal Advisory Commission Minutes August 11, 2025 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on July 14, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on July 14, 2025 was approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Holt’s second on an 11-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. Staff briefing on Close Out Report on Goodfix Spay and Neuter Clinics and current Spay and Neuter count provided by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. Discussion of the Bond Election priorities as it relates to the delivery of animal services. Discussed. Discussion of heart worm testing and monthly preventative for animals at the Austin Animal Center. Discussed. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 6. Good Fix Working Group recommendation regarding animal welfare policies and marketing priorities. Item taken up with Item 7. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding animal welfare policies and marketing priorities. The motion to …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION July 14, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, 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 or in person, contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryan Clinton, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Travis County Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Whitney Holt, D5 Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 Erin Ferguson, D8 Sarah Huddleston, D9 David Loignon, D10 Koby Ahmed, Mayor AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 April 14, 2025. 2. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on June 9, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. 4. Staff briefing regarding the Animal Services Office’s hot weather protocol by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. 5. Staff briefing regarding the Animal Services Office’s Three Year Public Relations Plan by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. Presentation by Stephanie Bilbro, Director of Operations, Austin Pets Alive! regarding license agreement reports. 7. Discussion of the Bond Election priorities as it relates to the delivery of animal services. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. Update from the Good Fix Marketing Working Group regarding their meetings and work completed so far. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 9. Community Cats Processing Working Group recommendation regarding animal welfare policies and budget priorities. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding animal welfare policies and budget priorities. 11. Conduct officer election for Chair. 12. Approve the Animal Advisory Commission 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review. 13. Approve the dissolution …
Animal Advisory Commission Minutes April 14, 2025 ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 14, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on April 14, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Erin Ferguson, D8 Luis Herrera, D6 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Jo Anne Norton, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Nancy Nemer, Travis County Whitney Holt, D5 Commissioners Absent: Sarah Huddleston, D9 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Julie Oliver – Dog water and cleaning process at AAC Rochelle Vickery – Dog and cat rescue Pat Valls-Trelles – Speaker rules and working group updates APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1 Animal Advisory Commission Minutes April 14, 2025 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on March 10, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting on March 10, 2025, was approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Vice Chair Linder’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Chair Clinton abstained. Commissioner Hoke was off the dais. Commissioner Huddleston was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer. Commissioner Herrera and Chair Clinton asked for the distribution of the data and final report regarding Good Fix. 3. Staff briefing regarding the implementation of new shelter software at the Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation by Austin Pets Alive! regarding license agreement reports. The presentation was made by Stephanie Bilbro, Austin Pets Alive! Director of Operations. 5. Discussion regarding the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget including a review of budget requests made by the Animal Services Office and the process for Fiscal Year 2026 budget development. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Conduct officer elections for the Chair, Vice Chair, and Parliamentarian. The motion to approve Commissioner Nilson as Chair failed on Commissioner Norton’s motion, Commissioner Nilson’s second, on a 5-5 vote. Those voting aye were: Commissioners Ferguson, Holt, Herrera, Nilson, and Norton. Those voting nay were: Chair Clinton, Vice Chair Linder, Commissioners Dulzaides, Hoke, and Nemer. Commissioner Huddleston was absent. The motion to approve Commissioner Clinton as Chair failed on Vice Chair Linder’s motion, Chair …
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250714-XXX [XXX is the agenda item number] Date: July 14, 2025 Subject: Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation The Animal Advisory Commission recommends that the City of Austin incorporate safety and efficiency protocols with the Austin Animal Center’s Community Cats Program. Rationale: Basis for Recommendation: After extensive feedback regarding the issues to safety for volunteers and animals, the Austin Animal Advisory Commission formed the Community Cats Program Working Group to determine solutions that would improve outcomes for animals, the Austin Animal Center and its volunteers, and the community at large. Per the municipal code, the goals of this recommendation are to “promote collaboration between the City and private citizens [...] interested in or conducting activities relating to animal welfare in the City;” “identify proactive, creative approaches to engage and facilitate communication within the animal welfare community;” and “foster and assist the development of animal welfare programs in the community.” Description of Recommendations to Council: The Austin Animal Advisory Commission recommends that Austin Animal Center make the following changes to the Community Cats Program. The following recommendations represent long-standing gaps in operations, safety, and sustainability that should be addressed to ensure program success and volunteer retention. 1. Recommend the development of a standardized communications protocol for Shelter Neuter Return (SNR) / PRC / Community Cats Program (CCP). To ensure consistent care and to reduce confusion, we recommend that Animal Services develop a unified protocol – across PRC, 311, AAC public facing staff, and the Community Cats Program – for handling SNR cases including an intake “fast lane” for CCP volunteers. A shared SOP will improve outcomes, reduce stress on all parties, and promote transparency and trust for the public. 2. Recommend that the Medical Voucher Program undergoes a financial reassessment to ensure sustainability. We recommend that Animal Services evaluate the current $250 cap on medical vouchers to determine whether it remains adequate given rising veterinary costs. An updated analysis would ensure that the program continues to support Good Samaritans and provides equitable access to urgent veterinary care for community cats. 3. Recommend refining volunteer identification materials to improve visibility and safety in the field. While volunteer shirts and badges have been developed, we recommend ongoing collaboration with field trappers to ensure gear meets operational needs—specifically visibility, credibility, and safety when working in public spaces. Identifiable gear improves interactions with the public and reflects the City’s commitment to volunteer …
Animal Advisory Commission Minutes June 9, 2025 ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 9, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on June 9, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Parliamentarian Norton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Erin Ferguson, D8 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Jo Anne Norton, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Koby Ahmed, Mayor Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Whitney Holt, D5 Commissioners Absent: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Heather Myers – Heat, euthanasia notices, UPL Rochelle Vickery – Thanks to Austin Pets Alive! Max Oliver – Duties of AAC Julie Oliver – Issues at AAC Matt Oliver – Issues at AAC Caroline Clay – Foster barriers at AAC Angela Pires – Euthanasia notices for space APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on April 14, 2025. 1 Animal Advisory Commission Minutes June 9, 2025 The minutes from the meeting on April 14, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Ferguson’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Holt and Nemer were off the dais. Commissioner Clinton was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. 3. Staff briefing regarding an update on the implementation of the Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025 to 2030. Presentation by Juany Torres, Strategic Plan Project Manager, Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office and Juany Torres, Strategic Plan Project Manager, Animal Services Office. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion regarding the 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review for the Animal Advisory Commission. Discussed. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Community Cats Processing Working Group regarding the work completed since February 2025. Commissioners Holt and Huddleston provided an update. 6. Update from the Long Distance Adoption Working Group regarding the work completed since March 2025. Commissioner Holt provided an update. 7. Update from the Good Fix Marketing Working Group regarding the last three meetings and accomplishments so far. Commissioner Nilson provided an update. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Approve updates to the membership of the Good Fix Working Group. The motion to approve Commissioners Nilson, Ferguson, Herrera, …
Information is from October 1, 2024– June 30, 2025 Intake Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Outcome Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Difference of outcomes - intakes Dog totals Cat totals Totals Cats Adoption RTO/RTO Adopt Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing SNR (former SCRP) Total Dog Adoption RTO/RTO Adopt Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total 2025 3869 4649 8518 2025 3657 4239 7896 2025 -212 -410 -622 2025 2542 158 882 192 120 7 338 4239 2025 2324 540 649 112 30 2 3657
June 2025 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT 1 On May 5, 2025, Animal Services transitioned to a new database for shelter management. This transition is ongoing and has potentially impacted data reporting. Austin Animal Center Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • The live outcome rate for July was 89.24%. • A total of 1,293 animals were brought to the shelter which included 857 cats, 419 dogs, 70 non-dog/cat mammals, 8 rabbits, 7 guinea pigs, and 5 birds. • A total of 530 animals were adopted (169 adult dogs, 68 puppies, 196 kittens, 93 adult cats, and 4 rabbits). • A total of 71 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • On June 1, there were 1289 animals within the ASO inventory. • On July 1, there were 1530 animals within the ASO inventory. Animal Protection Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 3 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 3 fencing assistance applications and implanted 3 microchip(s). • Officers impounded 55 injured animals and 131 regular or sick animals and delivered approximately 62 wildlife animals to Austin Wildlife Rescue. • Officers submitted 51 specimens for rabies testing. We had 5 positive bats, 6 decomposed bats, and 1 destroyed bat. Wildlife Data is partially incomplete and does not include non-coyote wildlife. • There were 18 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 11 sightings, 2 incidents, 4 encounter, and 1 observation • Out of 18 coyote related activities, 18 (100%) reports fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, incident, and observation) o 3/4 encounters (75%) involved a coyote following caller and dogs o 1/4 encounters (25%) involved a coyote not responding to hazing efforts Volunteer Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • 541 volunteers contributed 7,226 hours in June. • • The Volunteer Program held 4 orientations, introducing 141 potential volunteers to shelter operations. The Volunteer Program scheduled 23 Community Service Restitution individuals to perform 221 hours of laundry, dishes and other duties as assigned. • 156 volunteers dedicated their time to volunteer development and onboarding training. 2 • 41 individuals donated 82 hours toward group volunteer service, through dog-walking and general cat care. Foster & Rescue Data is partially incomplete …
Temperature Management KEEPING TEAM MEMBERS AND ANIMALS SAFE AT THE MUNICIPAL SHELTER Robert Golembeski, Operations Manager Pat D’Angelo, Building Services Manager 1 MOVING FORWARD AGENDA 2 HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL Team Member Safety Informing ASO Staff Current Protocol Water And Pools Kennels And Play-yards 3 HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL TEAM MEMBER SAFETY • Canopies recently installed for team members to limit exposure during play-groups • • Water coolers are filled every morning for team members and the public • AAC has over 15 portable fans and air movers for temperature management • Team members are required to take breaks throughout the day • Spreading awareness of heatstroke in people 4 HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL INFORMING ASO STAFF Daily forecast updates sent out in the morning by Animal Care Leads Any possible protocol changes for the day are included 5 HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL CURRENT PROTOCOL • Minimize time walking on pavement and stay in the shade • Close sliding “guillotine” doors on empty kennels • This helps keep the interior cooler • Check for low water in kennels • Report HVAC outages to a lead/supervisor immediately • Monitor for any signs of extreme heat distress and report animals as needed • Extra attention to senior dogs and puppies • Check that dogs are not in exterior kennel • Dogs can be let back out when Leads determine the temperature has cooled enough • Usually after 5:30 PM or when the ground has cooled enough to touch for ten seconds without burning HOTDOG - delicious! - great dog treats! - pill pockets for vets! HOT DOG - dangerous! - radio/report for help! - prevention is key! 6 HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL WATER AND POOLS • Pools are located around campus for medium-large dogs • Volunteers empty and refill pools outside of fenced play-yards • Animal Care empties and refills play-yard pools and drinking water buckets in the morning • Use of pools might be limited if there is a possible outbreak of contagious illness • Other ways to cool down dogs • Gentle stream from water hose • Wet towel or cloth to wipe coat • Wet only the paws 7 HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL KENNELS AND PLAY-YARDS • Interior kennels are cleaned early in the day when temperature is lowest • Limits heat exposure for dogs • Play-yards are covered or have trees to provide shade • Turf in play-yards is sprayed with water from sprinklers …
Community Cats Working Group – Priority Recommendations The following recommendations represent long-standing gaps in operations, safety, and sustainability that should be addressed to ensure program success and volunteer retention. 1. Recommend the development of a standardized communications protocol for SNR / PRC / CCP. To ensure consistent care and to reduce confusion, we recommend that Animal Services develop a unified protocol – across PRC, 311, AAC staff, and the Community Cats Program – for handling SNR cases including an intake “fast lane” for CCP volunteers. A shared SOP will improve outcomes, reduce stress on all parties, and promote transparency and trust for the public. 2. Recommend that the Medical Voucher Program undergoes a financial reassessment to ensure sustainability. We recommend that Animal Services evaluate the current $250 cap on medical vouchers to determine whether it remains adequate given rising veterinary costs. An updated analysis would ensure that the program continues to support Good Samaritans and provides equitable access to urgent veterinary care for community cats. 3. Recommend exploring options for a designated trapper role within the Community Cats Program. We recommend that Animal Services assess the feasibility of creating a support role, either staff-based or contracted, to assist with high-conflict, high-urgency trapping cases. This role would support volunteers in difficult field situations and improve the City’s responsiveness in cases that are emotionally charged such as hoarding, sick, or injured cats. 4. Recommend refining volunteer identification materials to improve visibility and safety in the field. While volunteer shirts and badges have been developed, we recommend ongoing collaboration with field trappers to ensure gear meets operational needs—specifically visibility, credibility, and safety when working in public spaces. Identifiable gear improves interactions with the public and reflects the City’s commitment to volunteer support. 5. Recommend evaluating options for a mobile-friendly volunteer coordination and request tracking system. We recommend exploring tools that allow volunteers to access trapping requests and log activity through a secure, mobile-accessible platform. The current system depends on static spreadsheets and informal coordination, which creates risk and reduces program resilience. A mobile-accessible system would improve response times and create transparency for both staff and volunteers in the field.
Good Fix Working Group Recommendations to Improve Outcomes for July 2025 Clinic Recommendations for Austin Animal Center (AAC): • AAC’s Marketing Team: o Post the clinic in the events section in the Austin Chronicle and ask for free advertising for the event. o Request COTA to promote the clinic on its website and onsite. o Ask Do512 to post on their website and on their social media. o Request more media coverage before and during the event. o Create more variety in their social media posts rather than posting the same digital flyer each time. o Reach out to all contracted nonprofits providing services for APH/HHS with flyers to ask them to pass on to clients and staff (Meals on Wheels, AARC, OutYouth, APH Clinics, etc). Improve search engine optimization (SEO) to drive more web traffic to AAC’s website for the clinic. o ➢ Status: Discussed details of these ideas with AAC’s PIO/Marketing Manager in late June. • AAC’s Community Cats Program: o Ask Good Fix how many community cats they can accept each clinic day and then work with volunteer trappers and community members to fill the slots. ▪ ▪ ▪ Support Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) volunteer trappers. Support Shelter-Neuter-Return (SNR) regulars. Support neighborhoods around COTA with active trapping requests. ➢ Status: Detailed ideas submitted to AAC. • AAC’s Customer Service Team: o Post flyers outside the Pet Resource Center and distribute flyers to everyone who comes to the PRC for any shelter service. Include a link to clinic information in the auto-reply for all shelter emails. o o With help from their IT team, email clinic information to every pet owner who has reclaimed their pet intact from AAC in the past two years. o With help from their IT team, harvest email addresses from 311 requests for the past year and email flyers to those addresses. ➢ Status: Detailed ideas submitted to AAC. Flyers are being distributed to people who go to the PRC and/or the lobby and posters are hung around the AAC campus. • AAC’s Outreach Team: o Reinstate their spay and neuter outreach efforts where AAC picked up and transported owned pets to Emancipet where they were sterilized and vaccinated and returned to their owners. The same program could be done for the Good Fix clinic. ➢ Status: Submitted to AAC. • AAC’s Rescue Coordinator: o Request more comprehensive marketing support from all rescue partners. ➢ …
Communications Framework & 3-Year Public Relations Plan AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES Animal Advisory Commission July 14, 2025 Elizabeth Ferrer Marketing & Communications Program Manager 1 Agenda • WHY THIS MATTERS • 5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN • COMMUNICATIONS FRAMEWORK • 3-YEAR PUBLIC RELATIONS PLAN • TOOLS AND RESOURCES • WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE • HOW THIS HELPS US • QUESTIONS 2 COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY WHY THIS MATTERS Inform our community about who we are, what we do, and why what we do matters Build trust, visibility, and engagement Improve outcomes for Austin area animals 3 5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN Increases Community Engagement • Bilingual Content • Outreach Events • Video Storytelling • Building Trust Campaign Improves Operational Transparency • Clear communication • Website with dashboard Supports Outcomes Supports Pet Retention • Adoption Campaign • Leverages Partnerships • Resources • “Pets Belong Home” Campaign • Resources • Education Advances Equity Strengthens Internal Alignment • Spanish language messaging • Access-focused tools • Training • Messaging guides • Internal briefings 4 COMMUNICATIONS FRAMEWORK AN OVERVIEW • Mission • Serve every person and pet in Austin and Travis County • Goal • Build trust • Voice • Honest, compassionate, and transparent • Approach • Plain language • Real-time storytelling • Community-centered 5 3-YEAR PUBLIC RELATIONS (PR)PLAN PLAN GOALS • Improve awareness of Austin Animal Services and resources • Expand community presence and engagement • Promote pet retention and responsible ownership • Strengthen equity and bilingual communication • Support consistency with the City of Austin’s rebranding initiative 6 Launch “Building Trust” campaign Create staff messaging guides Coordinate monthly outreach events (ongoing) Develop animal success stories for media pitching Conduct signage audit for City of Austin rebranding initiative Publish first volunteer spotlight feature on social media Design public- facing newsletter and plan content Create informational videos/reels on a variety of topics Finalize new branded electronic content for City’s rebrand launch Begin design and partial installation of fence wind barrier campaign 3-YEAR PR PLAN BUILDING THE FOUNDATION PHASE ONE 7 Publish public newsletter Post Volunteer Spotlights – bi- monthly volunteer story (image + quote or short video) Release bi- monthly informational reels/videos Finalize signage audit and begin phased rebranding- compliant signage Pilot “Pet Resource Pop- Up” kit Design internal newsletter and plan content Develop and launch “Pets Belong Home” flyer and social media toolkit Launch “Pets Belong Home” Pet Retention Campaign Launch “Ask AAC” social media series answering pet- related questions …
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250714-010 Date: July 14, 2025 Subject: Safety and efficiency protocols with the Austin Animal Center’s Community Cats Program Motioned By: Commissioner Holt Seconded By: Commissioner Huddleston Recommendation The Animal Advisory Commission recommends that the City of Austin incorporate safety and efficiency protocols with the Austin Animal Center’s Community Cats Program. Rationale: Basis for Recommendation: After extensive feedback regarding the issues to safety for volunteers and animals, the Austin Animal Advisory Commission formed the Community Cats Program Working Group to determine solutions that would improve outcomes for animals, the Austin Animal Center and its volunteers, and the community at large. Per the municipal code, the goals of this recommendation are to “promote collaboration between the City and private citizens [...] interested in or conducting activities relating to animal welfare in the City;” “identify proactive, creative approaches to engage and facilitate communication within the animal welfare community;” and “foster and assist the development of animal welfare programs in the community.” Description of Recommendations to Council: The Austin Animal Advisory Commission recommends that Austin Animal Center make the following changes to the Community Cats Program. The following recommendations represent long-standing gaps in operations, safety, and sustainability that should be addressed to ensure program success and volunteer retention. 1. Recommend the development of a standardized communications protocol for Shelter Neuter Return (SNR) / PRC / Community Cats Program (CCP). To ensure consistent care and to reduce confusion, we recommend that Animal Services develop a unified protocol – across PRC, 311, AAC public facing staff, and the Community Cats Program – for handling SNR cases including an intake “fast lane” for CCP volunteers. A shared SOP will improve outcomes, reduce stress on all parties, and promote transparency and trust for the public. 2. Recommend that the Medical Voucher Program undergoes a financial reassessment to ensure sustainability. We recommend that Animal Services evaluate the current $250 cap on medical vouchers to determine whether it remains adequate given rising veterinary costs. An updated analysis would ensure that the program continues to support Good Samaritans and provides equitable access to urgent veterinary care for community cats. 3. Recommend refining volunteer identification materials to improve visibility and safety in the field. While volunteer shirts and badges have been developed, we recommend ongoing collaboration with field trappers to ensure gear meets operational needs—specifically visibility, credibility, and safety when working in public spaces. Identifiable gear improves interactions …
Animal Advisory Commission Minutes July 14, 2025 Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, July 14, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Austin City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Room 1101 in Austin, Texas. Parliamentarian Jo Anne Norton called the Animal Advisory Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Erin Ferguson, D8 Whitney Holt, D5 David Loignon, D10 Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Koby Ahmed, Mayor Ryan Clinton, Travis County Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Commissioners Absent: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Nancy Nemer, Travis County PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Kaitlan Brandstetter – Implementation for ASO’s strategic plan Suzie Chase – Austin Pets Alive! Update Rochelle Vickery– TNR Group Termination Pat Valls-Trelles – Agenda Comprehension and Supporting Rochelle Vickery Julie Oliver- Support Rochelle Vickery, Staff Compliments, and Budget 1 Animal Advisory Commission Minutes July 14, 2025 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on April 14, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on April 14, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Holt’s motion, Commissioner Loignon’s second on a 9-0 vote. Vice Chair Linder and Commissioner Nemer were absent. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on June 9, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on June 9, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Holt’s motion, Commissioner Dulzaides’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Clinton abstained. Vice Chair Linder and Commissioner Nemer were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. 4. 5. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. Staff briefing regarding the Animal Services Office’s hot weather protocol by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Robert Golembeski, Operation Manager, and Pat D’Angelo, Building Services Manager, Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Robert Golembeski, Operation Manager, Animal Services Office and Pat D’Angelo, Building Services Manager, Building Services Department. Staff briefing regarding the Animal Services Office’s Three-Year Public Relations Plan by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office, Melissa Pool, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Animal Services Office and Elizabeth Ferrer, Marketing …
REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION June 9, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, 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, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Travis County Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Whitney Holt, D5 Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 Erin Ferguson, D8 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Koby Ahmed, Mayor AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 April 14, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Services Office. 3. Staff briefing regarding an update on the implementation of the Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025 to 2030. Presentation by Juany Torres, Strategic Plan Project Manager, Animal Services Office. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion regarding the 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review for the Animal Advisory Commission. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Community Cats Processing Working Group regarding the work completed since February 2025. 6. Update from the Long Distance Adoption Working Group regarding the work completed since March 2025. 7. Update from the Good Fix Marketing Working Group regarding the last three meetings and accomplishments so far. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Approve updates to the membership of the Good Fix Working Group. 9. Conduct officer election for Chair. 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 …
Animal Advisory Commission Minutes April 14, 2025 ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 14, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on April 14, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Linder called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Erin Ferguson, D8 Luis Herrera, D6 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Jo Anne Norton, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Nancy Nemer, Travis County Whitney Holt, D5 Commissioners Absent: Sarah Huddleston, D9 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Julie Oliver – Dog water and cleaning process at AAC Rochelle Vickery – Dog and cat rescue Pat Valls-Trelles – Speaker rules and working group updates APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on March 10, 2025. 1 Animal Advisory Commission Minutes April 14, 2025 The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting on March 10, 2025, was approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Vice Chair Linder’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Chair Clinton abstained. Commissioner Hoke was off the dais. Commissioner Huddleston was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer. Commissioner Herrera and Chair Clinton asked for the distribution of the data and final report regarding Good Fix. 3. Staff briefing regarding the implementation of new shelter software at the Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation by Austin Pets Alive! regarding license agreement reports. The presentation was made by Stephanie Bilbro, Austin Pets Alive! Director of Operations. 5. Discussion regarding the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget including a review of budget requests made by the Animal Services Office and the process for Fiscal Year 2026 budget development. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Conduct officer elections for the Chair, Vice Chair, and Parliamentarian. The motion to approve Commissioner Nilson as Chair failed on Commissioner Norton’s motion, Commissioner Nilson’s second, on a 5-5 vote. Those voting aye were: Commissioners Ferguson, Holt, Herrera, Nilson, and Norton. Those voting nay were: Chair Clinton, Vice Chair Linder, Commissioners Dulzaides, Hoke, and Nemer. Commissioner Huddleston was absent. The motion to approve Commissioner Clinton as Chair failed on Vice Chair Linder’s motion, …
Information is from October 1, 2024– May 31, 2025 Intake Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Outcome Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Difference of outcomes - intakes Dog totals Cat totals Totals Cats Adoption RTO/RTO Adopt Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing SNR (former SCRP) Total Dog Adoption RTO/RTO Adopt Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total 2025 3450 3792 7242 2025 3289 3585 6874 2025 -161 -207 -368 2025 2253 130 694 157 66 4 281 3585 2025 2087 497 581 104 20 0 3289
May 2025 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT 1 On May 5, 2025, Animal Services transitioned to a new database for shelter management. This transition is ongoing and has potentially impacted data reporting. Austin Animal Center Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • The live outcome rate for May 1-5 was 89.23%. For May 6-31, the live outcome rate was 91.02%. • A total of 1,332 animals were brought to the shelter which included 840 dogs, 466 cats, 37 wild animals, 7 rabbits, 6 guinea pigs, and one bird. • A total of 500 animals were adopted (168 adult dogs, 69 puppies, 128 kittens, 122 adult cats, 5 rabbits, 4 mice, 2 birds, and 2 guinea pigs). • A total of 80 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • On May 1, there were 922 animals within the ASO inventory. • On June 1, there were 1307 animals within the ASO inventory. Animal Protection Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 9 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 4 fencing assistance applications and implanted 0 microchip(s). • Officers impounded 91 injured animals and delivered approximately 28 wildlife animals to Austin Wildlife Rescue. • Officers submitted 33 specimens for rabies testing. We had 6 positive bats, 6 decomposed bats, and 1 decomposed raccoon. Wildlife Data is partially incomplete and does not include non-coyote wildlife. • There were 44 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 22 sightings, 17 wild sick, 2 incidents, 1 encounter, and 2 wild injured • Out of 44 coyote related activities, 25 (57%) reports fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, incident, and observation) o There were no encounters or incidents reported for the month of May. Volunteer Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • 520 volunteers contributed 6,889 hours in May. • • The Volunteer Program held 4 orientations, introducing 118 potential volunteers to shelter operations. The Volunteer Program scheduled 16 Community Service Restitution individuals to perform 162 hours of laundry, dishes and other duties as assigned. • 158 volunteers dedicated their time to volunteer development and onboarding training. 2 • 21 individuals donated 42 hours toward group volunteer service, through dog-walking and general cat care. Foster & …
