Austin launches survey aimed at helping shape Animal Services Strategic Plan

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin wants to hear people’s opinions on animal services as it works to develop a new Animal Services Strategic Plan.

The city said in a release Wednesday the Austin Animal Services Office (ASO) and Financial Services Department (FSD) are launching a community survey aimed at gathering valuable feedback on animal services priorities.

This survey will help shape ASO’s upcoming strategic plan and ensure that animal services align with the needs and expectations of the community, the release said.

The survey will be available online from July 17 to August 14, 2024.

The City Auditor’s Office and the National Center for Animal Shelter Evaluations last year conducted reviews of ASO. Both reviews identified “misaligned departmental goals” and issues with stakeholder engagement and alignment.

The audit focused on why the Austin Animal Center is overcrowded, why intake has been restricted since September 2022, if the animal shelter is treating animals well, and if the City of Austin’s set “no kill” rate is sustainable.

One of the City Auditor’s recommendations was for the Chief Animal Services Officer to work with stakeholders to develop, implement, and monitor a strategic plan.

ASO, FSD, and third-party facilitator Dr. Larry Schooler have launched the “assessment phase” of the strategic planning process.

Along with opening the community survey on Wednesday, this phase includes:

• External partners and stakeholder interviews and listening session
• Staff and volunteer listening sessions
• Reviewing previous audits, documents, surveys, and reports
• Analyzing and reviewing data
• Identifying best practices from and benchmarking similar animal services organizations

“We are excited to work with the community, key stakeholders and the Animal Advisory Commission to create a strategic plan that best serves the community of Austin. This collaborative effort will produce a working plan,” said Stephanie Hayden-Howard, Assistant City Manager.

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