Interim AAC staff say emergency veterinary contract recommended for budget cut; volunteers warn closure would increase animal suffering

Interim Austin Animal Center leadership told the Travis County Austin Animal Advisory Commission on Aug. 11 that emergency veterinary services were among recommended reductions in the department’s recommended FY26 budget. Staff, volunteers and commission members described consequences if the 24-hour emergency veterinary arrangement is cut.

Rolando Fernandez, interim animal services officer, said the department submitted budget cuts like every other city department and that the emergency clinic arrangement was an easy target because it lacks a formal contract and ongoing oversight. Fernandez said the city has already spent more than $450,000 through that vendor model and that, without a dedicated line item and clear funding, the department cannot guarantee continuation of services.

Several volunteers and commissioners said the emergency veterinary option provides an important safety net for lost and injured animals outside shelter hours and that eliminating it would shift the burden onto the public and rescue partners. Commissioner discussion noted there has never been an open RFP for the service and asked whether a competitive procurement could find a lower-cost provider; Fernandez said procurement would require an identified funding source before an RFP could proceed.

Staff said they would notify the vendor of the budget recommendation but that no final decision had been made; the budget process is controlled by the city manager’s proposed budget and the mayor and council. Fernandez said the department is exploring whether operational changes, partnerships or other contract models could preserve some emergency services if the proposed cuts are adopted.

Why it matters: Emergency veterinary services provide after-hours care for injured or lost animals and are relied on by volunteer rescuers and the public. The emergency arrangement’s future depends on council and mayoral budget decisions, and commissioners and volunteers urged early public engagement with council members if the service is to be preserved.

What commissioners asked for: Commissioners sought more precise historic costs, clarification of how bills have been paid, and whether Austin Resource Recovery or other city units are recording dead-animal pickups in ways that affect shelter metrics. Staff agreed to provide follow-up and said they hoped to pursue a more formal procurement if funding is identified.