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Animal services report understaffing: 13 officers on duty vs recommended 24
Summary
Staff told the committee the department has 13 animal service officers but needs about 24 based on national guidance; low staff and care-team shortfalls reduce the shelter's capacity to accept animals and increase euthanasia risk.
Staff described a staffing imbalance between field officers and shelter care staff and said the department currently has 13 animal service officers on the roster but should have about 24 to meet call volume and best-practice levels. The staff noted the shelter back end is also understaffed, saying they have 11 animal care staff but should have more to manage higher intake and improve live outcomes.
Committee members asked how many positions were unfilled; staff said three positions were recently posted after a moratorium and emphasized that adding field staff without increasing shelter care staff will increase intake without improving outcomes. The committee discussed the need to justify positions to the budget office during the moratorium process and the likely short-term effect of higher euthanasia rates if staffing and funding do not match intake.
