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Austin Animal Services reports February outcomes, staffing vacancies and unmet budget requests
Summary
ASO staff reported a 95.81% live outcome rate for February, 846 intakes, 526 adoptions and unmet‑need budget requests totaling about $3.6 million (36 positions). Council awarded partial funding of roughly $677,000, including 2.5 FTEs.
Jason Garza of Austin Animal Services presented the department’s February report and an overview of the current fiscal year budget and unmet needs.
Garza reported a 95.81% live outcome rate for February and said the center took in 846 animals that month. He said 526 animals were adopted and about 75 animals were returned to owners; staff made more than 2,200 public contacts, handled 197 rabies exposure reports, delivered roughly 62 wildlife animals to partner rescues, and received 89 injured animals. Garza said veterinary staff performed more than 700 exams and spayed or neutered about 405 animals.
Garza said 536 volunteers contributed over 6,000 hours, and the shelter has approximately 802 approved fosters working from an active foster group. On staffing, ASO reported 4–5 vacant regular full‑time positions (some in process of hiring) and 1.5 temporary vacancies.
On the budget, staff provided the commission a snapshot of ASO’s current budget of roughly $23.47 million (general fund and an interlocal agreement with Travis County). ASO reported it submitted unmet need requests totaling about $3.6 million, including 36 new positions; the final adopted budget provided roughly $677,000 and 2.5 regular positions for foster and adoption counseling.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions. Commissioner Nielsen pressed whether baseline data for the strategic plan targets could be compiled; staff said baselines will depend on which measures are requested and that staff can provide data that are tracked routinely. When asked about a public comment concerning adoption cancellations for animals on medical hold and whether fostering might be offered, Garza said staff would implement follow‑up changes: when an adoption is canceled due to medical hold, staff will ask whether the adopter would be willing to foster when the animal is medically appropriate for fostering and will follow up with adopters once the animal is cleared by veterinarians.
Ending: Staff said they would provide additional follow‑up on specific 311 incidents and vacancy details to commissioners on request, and commissioners asked to place budget discussion on a future agenda to allow more detailed review before the council budget cycle.
