Deputy Chief Garza outlines bond development for Austin Animal Services

The Austin - 2026 Bond Election Advisory Task Force meeting on May 27, 2025, featured a detailed presentation by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief of Animal Services, outlining the department's role in the city's bond development process. Garza emphasized the guiding principles and technical criteria that will shape proposed projects aimed at enhancing animal services in Austin.

Garza highlighted the mission of the Austin Animal Center, which focuses on providing care for lost and homeless animals, achieving a live outcome rate of 96.79% for the 11,000 animals taken in last year. Despite this success, the center faces significant challenges, including space constraints and the need for improved facilities. Currently, the center operates with limited medical resources, including only two surgery tables and inadequate recovery areas, which hampers their ability to perform spay and neuter surgeries efficiently.

The presentation also touched on the strategic plan developed by Animal Services, which includes six focus areas and 18 specific goals aimed at improving operations and community trust. Garza noted that the last time the department participated in a bond development process was nearly 20 years ago, when funding was sought for the current Austin Animal Center facility.

As the meeting progressed, members discussed potential expansions and collaborations with neighboring municipalities to address the growing needs of the community. Garza confirmed that the department is exploring various options for facility expansion and partnerships, particularly in areas where animal services could be enhanced.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue developing project proposals that align with the city's strategic plan and address the pressing needs of the Animal Services department. Recommendations will be presented to the city manager's office for consideration, with updates expected in July. The discussions underscored the importance of addressing capacity issues and enhancing animal welfare services in Austin as part of the upcoming bond election.