Fremont council approves added veterinary funding for shelter after residents urge more TNR and same-day care

The Fremont City Council on Feb. 3, 2026 voted to increase funding for animal-shelter veterinary services after council members and public commenters expressed support for expanded care and trap-neuter-return (TNR) partnerships.

Vice Mayor Jiaxing Zhang and other councilmembers asked staff whether the additional funding supports TNR programs or is limited to emergency care and clarified volunteer coordination and communication. A shelter representative said the increase primarily covers sick and injured animals and that TNR appointments occur at separate veterinarians. "There is a state law that requires us to provide care to sick and injured animals in the city of Fremont, and that also includes Union City and Newark," the shelter representative said, and acknowledged national veterinary staffing shortages.

Speakers from the Ohlone Humane Society urged passage. Kathy Williams said the nonprofit hoped some of the funding would "trickle down to rescues and trappers within our area who are out there doing T and R every day of the week." Hillary Dennehy, identified by clerk as Hillary Dennehy and speaking as Director of Spay and Neuter for Ohlone Humane Society, said Ohlone's volunteers and voucher programs helped fix more than 1,100 community cats in 2025 and described a positive partnership with the shelter.

Councilmember Campbell moved the item, Councilmember Liu seconded, and the motion passed 6–0 with one absence.

Shelter staff said the city uses multiple veterinary partners — three emergency veterinarians, one high-volume spay/neuter provider and a TNR provider — and that tasking varies by need. Staff also said they continue recruiting for a veterinarian and vet tech positions.