San Angelo Animal Services lays out 2026 goals: volunteers, software upgrades and ordinance review

Animal Services Manager Amanda Bridal presented the department’s 2026 goals to the advisory committee on Jan. 15, emphasizing operational changes tied to the proposed pod construction and improvements in case management.

Amanda said top priorities include completing pod design and construction to improve air quality, disease control and animal welfare; pursuing grants to fund medical equipment and spay/neuter initiatives; expanding off-site adoption events to once per quarter; and increasing microchip and community outreach events. “Our top priority right now is to get this going on the pods,” she said.

On data and operations, Amanda said staff are evaluating PetPoint shelter-management software modules to track vaccines, surgeries and to provide a dispatching/dispatch-entry module for field services that could reduce after-shift paperwork for officers. The current free module is in use, and the department is determining whether paid modules will be needed.

Amanda also discussed volunteer and foster-program goals. She explained current liability limits: volunteers over 18 who sign waivers can walk dogs under current rules; minors may participate only when accompanied and supervised by a parent who does the walking. Amanda said pod construction would expand safe volunteer opportunities, make it easier to host community-service workers and create capacity for supervised foster arrangements. She said the department will meet with legal counsel to draft recommended ordinance revisions and compare practices from other cities to ensure compliance with state law.

Committee members suggested outreach to local schools and ASU for community-service volunteers. A committee member with past experience as a foster-care coordinator offered to help with best practices. No ordinance changes were approved at the meeting; staff said they will return with legal recommendations.