City Council directed report conducted to address concerns being heard from volunteers, City staff, and community groups about the state of the shelter and the condition of the animals.
The Office of the City Auditor conducted an audit of the Animal Services Office. This audit was directed by the City Council, the resolution was passed in July 2022 (RESOLUTION NO. 20220728-098).
The City Auditor was directed by the City Council to perform an audit of the Animal Services Office effectiveness (effectiveness audit) and hire an external animal sheltering expert knowledgeable in No Kill policies and practices to assist in identifying strategies and recommendations for improved flow of operations, quality care for animals, and a successful, sustainable No Kill shelter.
The Auditor’s office will present its findings and recommendations at the Austin City Council Audit and Finance Committee on Wednesday, September 27 at 10 a.m. The full audit report and animal sheltering expert report can be found on the City’s website, here.
Background
The Animal Services Office (ASO) oversees the Austin Animal Center (AAC) which serves lost and surrendered animals from the City of Austin and Travis County. AAC had a Fiscal Year 2023 budget of approximately $17.9 million and 121 full-time employees. In 2022, AAC provided shelter to more than 15,000 animals. In addition to housing animals, AAC provides in-house veterinary care to its animals, community spay and neuter clinics, free microchips and pet tags, and other services.
