Weigh in on a strategic plan for Animal Services

With the help of the Financial Services Department, a community survey is being launched to help the city’s Animal Services Office decide on its future priorities. Austin Animal Center has consistently been at or above its live outcome goal rate but with extra measures to maintain it over the past few years, including restricting intake of animals due to declining adoptions. Last year, reviews of ASO by the Office of the City Auditor and the National Center for Animal Shelter Evaluations turned up “misaligned departmental goals as well as issues with stakeholder engagement and alignment,” according to a city statement to the press, and the city auditor recommended the chief Animal Services officer to work with stakeholders on a strategic plan. From July 17 to Aug. 14, the community survey and additional information about the planning process are available at publicinput.com/asoplan2024. In the assessment phase of the strategic planning process, the community survey will be accompanied by external partner and stakeholder interviews and a listening session; staff and volunteer listening sessions; reviewing previous audits, documents, surveys and reports; and identifying best practices from similar animal services organizations.