Adoptions up, kills down at Fort Bend County Animal Services

The shelter’s euthanasia rate dropped by about 63 percent between fiscal year 2013-14 and FY 2015-16, and the adoption rate more than doubled in that time. Rescue numbers also grew by about 32 percent from FY 2013-14 to FY 2015-16, but the rate of redemptions—lost animals who are reclaimed by their original owners—fell by nearly 27 percent.

“People don’t think of us to come and look for their dog,” Vass said.

Vasquez said the shelter started holding animals longer to reduce the euthanasia rate.

“We continue keeping [them] here, but we promote. And we do [adoption] specials,” he said. “You name the special, it’s on.”

Emergency situations, such as the three confirmed distemper cases that were discovered at the shelter in April, require any help available. On April 26, the shelter put out a plea on social media to relocate 80 dogs while the facility could be sanitized. As a result, 10 people volunteered to foster animals, Vass said.

The county also plans to expand the facility with a new 5,976-square-foot building with 35 new kennels.

The county estimates it would cost about $900,000 to construct the new building, which will be located on the south side of the existing shelter’s parking lot. Vasquez said he expects it would be complete in spring or summer 2018.

“It’s in the works,” Vasquez said. “It’s going to happen. It just takes time.”