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Weatherford shelter reports higher intakes but a 94% live-release rate for fiscal 2024
Summary
Animal Services Manager Kenzie Reddington told the advisory committee that Weatherford recorded a 94% live-release rate and 2,113 adoptions in 2024, even as national adoption rates fell; intakes rose from 5,005 in 2023 to 5,710 in 2024, stressing capacity.
Animal Services Manager Kenzie Reddington reported to the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee that despite a national drop in adoptions, Weatherford's shelter recorded a 94% live-release rate for fiscal year 2024 and a local increase in adoptions.
"We did finish our fiscal year with a 94% live release rate, which we're extremely proud of," Reddington said. She reported the shelter adopted out 2,113 animals in 2024 and that local intakes rose from 5,005 in 2023 to 5,710 in 2024, increasing total animals serviced from 6,642 to 8,600 and adding roughly 59 animals per month on average, which has tested the shelter's capacity.
Reddington contrasted local results with national data: "adoptions for the first 0.5 of 2024 are down 4.6 compared to the previous year for the same months," citing Pedigree Foundation figures, and presented Best Friends data showing Texas's average save rate at about 76.2%. She noted the shelter's outreach, volunteer program and partnerships contribute to the local performance.
Committee discussion did not produce policy changes but staff described ongoing efforts to manage volume, fill staff positions, and pursue facility improvements to support adoptions.
