Austin Animal Center reports roughly 95% live outcomes for August; commissioners ask for clarity on unassisted deaths and a formaldehyde incident

Jason Garza, a staff presenter with the Austin Animal Center, provided the commission’s monthly operations briefing on Sept. 8, reporting intake and outcome figures for August and summarizing volunteer and rescue activity.

Garza said 964 animals arrived at the center in August and that staff recorded 604 adoptions and 64 animals returned to owners. He said the shelter began the month with approximately 1,241 animals in inventory across the shelter and foster system. Garza reported about 32 injured animals impounded by field officers, 114 other sick animals, 35 rabies specimens collected and 21 in-field owner surrenders. He said volunteer support remains strong: roughly 570 volunteers donated about 7,400 hours during the month and the center completed four volunteer orientations, adding about 115 potential volunteers.

Garza repor…