A group dedicated to saving stray animals believes it can do a better job than the Town Lake Animal Center when it comes to getting pets adopted.
Cindy Roberts and her three children are looking to adopt a dog from Town Lake Animal Center.
“I want a small, jumpy, playful dog,” said Ben Roberts, 8.
The shelter adopts around 70 percent of its animals and puts down about 30 percent.
“I think every dog needs a chance to live,” said Jack Roberts, 10. “It's just like us being penned up in a shelter and no one coming to get us; and then we get killed.”
Austin Pets Alive wants to take over the city's animal adoption program. Ellen Jefferson is president and veterinarian. She believes her organization can do an even better job at adopting out more animals.
“Our organization will focus on adoption 100 percent,” said Jefferson. “100 percent of our time, money, and effort will be spent on adoption which we believe will translate in more animals being adopted.”
According to a city spokesperson, Austin currently spends $462,308 a year to pay roughly nine full time employees who work on animal adoption. This excludes veterinarian costs which would add to the overall cost.
“That's probably only a third of the true cost of the shelter spends,” said Jefferson.
Jefferson says Austin Pets Alive can run the current adoption program at Town Lake Animal Center for less than it costs the city.
“We submitted a proposal to the Animal Advisory Commission that would cost about $2.5 million. We're asking the city to pay one million of that and Austin Pets Alive would pay for the rest.”
But Charlie Chandler, who volunteers in the adoption program at Town Lake Animal Shelter, says the program is successful.
“We adopt a lot of animals,” said Chandler. “I think the city should think twice before outsourcing.”
In November 2009, the Austin City Council directed city staff to work with the Animal Advisory Commission to reach its goal of becoming a “no kill” shelter. The Commission is recommending Austin Pets Alive's proposal to Council.
Council Member Laura Morrison says the city has partnered with another non- profit agency for spay/neuter programs. She believes it makes sense to consider doing the same thing with animal adoptions.
“We’re looking at the possibility it could actually save us money,” said Morrison. “They have a lot of creative opportunities. They know how to use volunteers. They have a great crew working with them, and I am excited to explore the option.”
The Austin City Council will hear staff’s recommendations next month.
