Austin staff present draft Animal Services strategic plan; commissioners and volunteers urge funding, clarity on intake and measures

City staff presented a draft 2025–2030 strategic plan for the City of Austin Animal Services Office at the Travis County Austin Animal Advisory Commission meeting on Jan. 13, 2025, and commissioners and members of the public urged clearer performance measures, dedicated budget discussions and protections for the city's 95% live-release target.

The staff presentation was led by Susana Carvajal, Assistant City Manager, with Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, and Audrey Munz, Budget and Performance Manager. Carvajal said community input shaped the plan: “Their valuable input has shaped the creation of ASO's draft strategic plan.” Munz told the commission that 2,041 people responded to the public survey used during the assessment phase and described the plan framework, which contains six focus areas: humane care, spay and neuter, open intake, live release, public health and safety, and staff and volunteers.

Why it matters: commissioners and advocates said the plan's goals are substantial but will require funding, clearer metrics, and next-step guidance to become actionable. Several public speakers asked the commission to schedule regular budget briefings tied to the plan and to add or clarify measures for intake and live release so the public can track progress.

The plan is intended as a five-year, living document that staff will finalize for design but not change in content before the…