Barn Cat Program APA! Barn Cat Program Overview APA!’s Barn Cat Program provides Travis County’s only consistent live outcome for a specific group of cats who cannot be adopted or safely returned outdoors. These cats are typically truly feral or unsocialized—they avoid human interaction, may be fearful or aggressive in indoor settings, and do not thrive in indoor home environments. Many are not eligible for TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) or SNR (Shelter-Neuter-Return) including: ● ● Zoning restrictions (e.g., high-density housing, highways) Lack of a safe return location When return or adoption aren’t viable options. APA!’s program offers a lifesaving, humane alternative by placing these cats in: ● Outdoor homes (barns, sheds, warehouses, etc.) ● With daily food, water, and shelter ● After a 2–4 week acclimation period and with adopter vetting and education Why this program exists The problem we’re solving • A small subset of cats entering Austin Animal Services and other shelters are not safe or appropriate for traditional indoor adoption (e.g., truly feral/fearful). • When TNR or SNR is not viable, these cats have no other live outcome. • Barn cat placement is a humane, managed alternative: it saves lives while reducing pressure on shelter housing and behavior resources. How this fits with community cat strategies ● ● ● ● ● Return is preferred whenever possible; barn placement is used when return is not feasible. Placements are screened and supported—this is not “release and hope.” Provides a humane outcome for cats who would otherwise be at high risk of euthanasia. Creates managed placements with caretaker responsibility (daily care + shelter). Relieves pressure on shelter space and behavior resources by moving the right population that is least likely to succeed as indoor pets. Barn Cat Eligibility “Barn” can include • Barns, sheds, stables • Warehouses / businesses • Workshops / garages • Other safe, ventilated enclosures Minimum eligibility (must meet all) This is not • Apparently healthy • Not declawed • History of living outside • Not a candidate for return • Dumping cats outside • A substitute for TNR/Return when return is possible • A placement for cats who can thrive as indoor pets Safeguards: how we minimize risk Medical + identification Home screening Acclimation + follow-up • Spay/neuter • Vaccines • Microchip • Parasite prevention • Ear-tipped • Caretaker commits to daily food + water • Safe shelter structure (barn/shed/etc.) • Avoid high-risk placements near busy roads • …
Outcome vs. Intake FY 26 Information is from October 1, 2025 – December 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 2026 966 1323 2289 2026 922 1335 2257 2026 -44 12 -32 2026 809 59 196 74 35 2 160 1335 2026 410 173 289 37 12 1 922
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 12, 2026 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Nilson called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Dr. Paige Nilson, Chair, D4 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 David Loignon, D10 Jennifer Daniel, D6 Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Erin Ferguson, D8 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Commissioners Absent: Koby Ahmed, Mayor Ryan Clinton, Travis County Whitney Holt, D5 Sarah Huddelston, D9 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Robyn Katz Gonzalez – State of the Shelter Sandra Muller – No Kill Rochele Vickrey – New Staff Changes APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on December 8, 2025. The minutes from the Animal Advisory Commission regular meeting on December 8, 2025 were approved during the Animal Advisory Commission regular meeting on January 12, 1 2026 as amended by Chair Nilson on Vice Chair Linder’s motion, Commissioner Dulzaides’ second on an 8-0. Commissioners Ahmed, Clinton, Holt and Huddleston were absent. The amendment was to strike Parliamentarian Norton’s name from the Commissioners in Attendance Remotely. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports. Presentation by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. Presentation given by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services and Jason Garza, Deputy Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation from Stephanie Bilbro, Director of Operations, Austin Pets Alive! regarding the quarterly reports and an update on the Barn Cats Program. Presentation given by Stephanie Bilbro, Director of Operations; Mara, Quality of Care Director; and Rory Adams, Director of Strategic Customer Service, Austin Pets Alive!. Final update on the recruitment process for the Austin Animal Services Director by Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager. Update given by Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a list of legislative priorities to be supported by recommendation for the upcoming legislative session. The motion to write a letter to Carrie Rogers, of the Austin Government Relations, to request an extension of time to compile and share legislative priorities until February 9, 2026 was approved on Chair Nilson’s motion, Vice Chair Linder’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Ahmed, Clinton, Holt and Huddleston were …
