What you need to know
Police Captain Todd Zettlemoyer, who oversaw the special operations division, will act as the interim animal services manager as the city searches for a permanent replacement for the role, officials announced in a March 26 news release. Rafe Rodriguez was the interim animal services manager, city officials said in an email.
The announcement comes as the city reopens its shelter intake program, which was closed temporarily since March 14 due to an overcapacity of animals. An adoption initiative placed eight dogs and five cats into homes, per the release.
Zooming in
According to the release, Zettlemoyer is tasked with the following duties as the interim manager:
- Hiring a permanent animal services manager
- Restructuring the shelter staff to prioritize animal needs
- Provide leadership to continue normal operations
What else?
Animal services has received an inflatable, air-conditioned enclosure to enhance pet comfort at community adoption events, per the release. The inflatable was purchased by an anonymous donor.
"This donation was made in memory of a loved one who was passionate about helping animals," Zettlemoyer said in the release. "We are grateful for this meaningful gift, which will allow us to connect more pets with loving homes while keeping them safe and comfortable."
Zettlemoyer said animal services hopes to showcase adoptions at larger gatherings including two upcoming events at:
- April 5 at Talyard Brewing Co., 1033 Imperial Blvd., Sugar Land
- April 19 at Sugar Land Town Square, 15958 City Walk, Sugar Land
The city’s people and culture department has partnered with an external consultant to find a candidate to permanently fill the full time role, according to the release.
The position was initially posted in October and reposted in February with hopes to fill the position in the next few months, city officials said. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, operational efficiency and a commitment to animal welfare.
