Audit finds gaps in Denton Animal Services documentation and controls; staff outline reforms, ask council for 6‑month check‑up

A city audit released at the Jan. 7 Denton City Council meeting found that the animal services shelter has inconsistent documentation of basic care and medical services, gaps in tracking controlled drugs and billing, and an outdated fee schedule — but that staff have already begun implementing fixes and asked council for a six‑month follow‑up.

The audit, presented by City Auditor Madison Rochaw, reviewed shelter operations, response to calls, asset management and fees for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 and Q1 of fiscal year 2025. "We issued 34 recommendations, all of which the department either agreed or partially agreed with," Rochaw said.

Why it matters: the audit flagged items that affect animal welfare (feeding, enrichment, vaccine administration), public‑health requirements (rabies vaccination), and financial controls (unauthorized fees, contractor billing). The shelter handles dozens to hundreds of animals daily and its practices affect reunification of pets with owners, adoption outcomes and regulatory compliance.

The audit said the shelter should have staff dedicated to basic care equivalent to industry staffing calculators (about…