San Angelo Shelter Receives Perfect Score After Inspection

According to a City of San Angelo press release, the Texas Department of Health Services rated the City's animal shelter a perfect score after an inspection Tuesday, Feb. 23.

Inspector Dr. Ken Waldrup gave the shelter positive remarks in all 45 areas graded. These areas include waste disposal, management, record keeping, sanitation, feeding, sheltering and care for animals.  

The overall rating was satisfactory, a top rating given during an inspection. The 2016 and 2015 inspection reports can be read at cosatx.us/animals.

Dr. Waldrup told shelter staff he was impressed by the small, cleanliness and overall operation of the facility. However, one written complaint noted, “Noise is an issue in the main kennel.”

City officials have explored ways to reduce the sound of barking dogs in the kennels and found the price is estimated at $200,000. James Flores, assistant director of the City’s Neighborhood and Family Services Department, shut the kennels to the public. Citizens, however, can scan photos of lost and adoptable animals through the lobby kiosk. People can then interact with them in the visitation room.  

Stopping the continual flow of visitors through the kennels has greatly reduced the barking and provides a less stressful environment that improves the dogs’ health, Flores said.

This inspection report is the most recent achievement earned by the shelter.  

In December, the shelter’s euthanasia rate dipped to 26 percent, a new low for the facility. Prior to March 2015, when Flores began oversight of the shelter, the euthanasia rate was typically in the 60^th and 70^th percentiles. The number of animals accepted has decreased while the number of pets adopted has increased over the same time span.

On Feb. 12, the shelter’s new veterinarian, Dr. Kuppe Nagaraj, began performing spay/neuter procedures on dogs and cats adopted from the shelter. The procedures used to be performed by private-sector veterinarians, and now the process is more convenient allowing owners to receive their pets faster.

The City’s spay/neuter ordinance takes effect April 1. At that time, the shelter will begin offering low-cost spay/neuter for the pets of qualifying low-income families. Details are available at cosatx.us/animals.