Residents are encouraged to participate in an online survey and attend upcoming public workshops to help shape the facility, according to a March 18 news release. This effort follows the September announcement that the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter, or SMRAS, will stop serving as Hays County’s intake facility.
Kyle must find an alternative by Sept. 30, 2026, when SMRAS will officially end its county intake services and only accept animals found within city limits.
SMRAS moved away from being a regional animal shelter due to rapid population growth and overcapacity at the shelter, according to previous reporting by Community Impact.
The overview
The community’s input will play a role in shaping aspects of the center, which will serve as a resource for animal welfare in the area, according to the news release.
The workshops will be on the following dates:
- March 21, 6:30-8 p.m., Kyle City Hall
- March 22, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Kyle Public Works Building
In addition to the workshops, the city is conducting an online survey, which will be open until March 28, to gather feedback from community members.
The background
Kyle City Council authorized its city manager to negotiate a contract for additional feasibility and design services of an animal shelter facility to Jackson & Ryan Architects Inc. on Dec. 12, according to previous reporting by Community Impact.
On Jan. 7, the council also approved a contract with Jackson & Ryan Architects for a comprehensive feasibility study on building and operating a city of Kyle Animal Care Center for $82,000, according to City Council minutes.
Notable quote
“We want to ensure this new Animal Care Center will be designed with the needs of our residents and pet populations in mind,” Kyle Animal Control Supervisor Briana Geddes said in a news release. “Your input will help us create a space that supports animal welfare and strengthens our community for years to come.”
