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Director of operations proposes modest adoption-fee increase as shelter readies software rollout
Summary
Shelter staff proposed roughly $10 increases to adoption, surrender and impound fees to help pay for a new PetPoint software implementation and operational needs, and reported a rise to about an 80% live-release rate amid staffing strains and TNR referrals to Garland and Richardson-area programs.
The meeting heard a proposal to raise adoption, surrender and impound fees by about $10 per category to help cover a planned PetPoint software rollout and other expenses, shelter staff said.
"We have over 11,000 followers on Facebook," the presenter said, noting the shelter also has about "2,900 followers on Instagram" and that social-media videos are helping drive adoptions. Staff said they are in the training phase of PetPoint animal-shelter software and expect an accounting meeting in two weeks to begin a soft implementation that will link financial and operations modules into one system.
A staff member who identified themself as the director of operations said raising fees would help pay for software implementation and future upgrades. "That's the first time we've increased our adoption fees since I've been director of the operation for 17 years," the director said, adding that even after a roughly $10 increase per category the shelter would remain among the lower-fee comparators in the region.
The presenter reported the monthly live-release rate has risen to about 80 percent, while kitten intake fluctuated — earlier in the year one month showed about 97 kittens and the current month about 62. Staff credited spay-and-neuter efforts with contributing to lower kitten intake.
Staff also described partnerships and volunteer support: Friends of Rescued Animals provided more than 1,000 volunteer hours for enrichment, walking and cleaning, and rescue partners and volunteers assist with outreach and social-media postings that have helped adoptions. For community cat needs the shelter currently refers residents to a Garland TNR (trap-neuter-return) program; staff said two Richardson cats were handled through that Garland partnership.
When asked whether adopters’ source is tracked, staff said the current system lacks a robust tracking field but that the new PetPoint implementation should allow staff to record whether an adopter found an animal via TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or the website.
Staff warned of thin staffing: the operation currently has 12 full-time employees and four animal-services officers (two per shift), and a recently hired employee failed probation, leaving a vacancy. Staff said volunteers and supervisors sometimes fill gaps to maintain daily operations.
On animal care in summer heat, staff said outdoor volunteer time is limited to five to 10 minutes depending on temperature, dogs are kept in air-conditioned kennels, and staff focus on shaded walking areas. The board set a tentative next meeting for Oct. 13 and adjourned.
The proposal to increase fees was presented for consideration; no formal vote on fee changes occurred during this meeting.
