“The results of this study will help determine the direction the city will take to provide animal services,” said Rosie Truelove, director of administrative services.
Long story short
The city of Kyle began considering options for a city animal shelter in September following approval of a new interlocal agreement from San Marcos City Council in August.
San Marcos City Council voted to transfer regional animal shelter responsibilities back to Hays County on Sept. 30, 2026, according to the agreement. Once the agreement concludes, the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter will operate as an animal shelter solely for the city of San Marcos, according to previous reporting by Community Impact.
The city of Kyle issued an informal request for qualifications, or RFQ, for the study in October, Truelove said. The city received six responses and a panel of city staff reviewed the proposals. The RFQ was awarded, and the city executed a $7,000 animal shelter feasibility study contract to Jackson & Ryan Architects, according to agenda documents.
Items worth mentioning
Hays County and Austin Pets Alive! have been working together to build a pet resource center since 2023.
Final recommendations presented to commissioners in March indicated that the proposed center would be 23,699 square feet in addition to a high-volume spay-neuter veterinary clinic that would be an additional 4,063 square feet, according to previous reporting by Community Impact. But the center remains a virtual resource for pet owners in Hays County.
On Nov. 11, Hays County commissioners finalized a new contract with APA that ensures APA will lead the center’s programs and implement a new lost and found initiative to support reuniting pets with their families, according to a news release.
Notable quote
Council member Miguel Zuniga said Jackson & Ryan Architects seemed like a “highly rated” firm with experience designing animal shelter facilities.
“I’m glad that they were chosen,” Zuniga said.
