The Hays County Commissioners Court approved a new interlocal agreement with the city of San Marcos to continue animal shelter services. The agreement came after plans to develop a new regional shelter in Kyle were halted for continued discussion.
The gist
Under the new agreement, the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter will continue providing services to Hays County until Sept. 30, 2027.
The shelter will receive and house non-livestock animals delivered from the county, according to agenda documents. San Marcos will not provide animal control services but will instead serve as a sheltering service.
Animals from Hays County kept at the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter will become property of San Marcos after the applicable hold period has expired. In addition to Hays County, the cities of Kyle and Buda are contracting animal shelter services from San Marcos for fiscal year 2026-27.
The background
In August 2024, the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter announced its intention to end all regional partnerships by September 2026, including with Hays County, Kyle and Buda, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
The three entities had planned to develop a regional animal shelter at Kyle Vista Park in Kyle, according to previous Community Impact reporting. On July 30, the Kyle City Council voted to dedicate the site as parkland, requiring a reevaluation of the shelter plans and a pause on any development.
The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter will continue to provide shelter services to all three entities for FY 2026-27. If the city chooses to make any service or policy changes, Hays County will be provided a 30-day warning of what those changes may be.
