A New Era for Animal Care in Corpus Christi
The City of Corpus Christi is now undergoing a significant transformation in its approach to animal care. For decades, the city managed strays using outdated methods. However, it now embraces a more compassionate and modern system. This shift began after a recent assessment by Citygate Associates, a California-based consultancy firm, which sparked change by recommending sweeping improvements to facilities, staffing, operations, and community engagement within the Animal Care Services (ACS) department.
Shifting Priorities: From Euthanasia to Live Release
Over the years, public attitudes toward stray animals have evolved. Gone are the days when euthanasia was the default response. Instead, many cities now focus on live release, ensuring animals are adopted, reunited with their owners, or placed with partner organizations.
City Manager Peter Zanoni emphasized this shift, explaining that the city now releases about 85% of shelter animals alive. This significant change breaks past practices and underscores Corpus Christi’s renewed commitment to animal welfare and public safety.
From Outdated Shelter to Full-Service Department
In 2023, ACS became an independent city department, marking a turning point in its development. However, the city’s primary animal shelter at 2626 Holly Road—built in 2004—remains a significant challenge. The facility is outdated, lacks air conditioning, and offers limited space for a growing number of animals and employees.
Zanoni admitted the facility is inadequate, explaining that the city built it at a time when adoption and live releases were not priorities.
In September 2023, the city commissioned Citygate Associates to conduct a formal assessment. The aim was to benchmark ACS against national best practices and develop actionable improvement strategies.
170 Strategies for Transformation
The consulting report identified 170 improvement strategies spanning five major areas: policy, operations, staffing, facilities, and departmental culture. Key recommendations include:
- Building a new air-conditioned kennel and expanding cat housing
- Streamlining animal intake processes
- Boosting adoption and fostering through community partnerships
- Enhancing social media presence and website engagement
- Extending operating hours and increasing veterinary services
- Offering more in-house spay and neuter surgeries
These strategies aim to create a forward-thinking department supporting residents and animals.
Budget and Staffing: Investing in the Future
The city has already implemented 12 recommendations, with another 53 in progress. Zanoni’s goal is to complete 65 recommendations by the end of FY2025 and the remaining through a five-year implementation plan.
Of the 170 recommendations, 28 require formal City Council approval, particularly those related to the budget. The 2025 budget allocates $5.57 million to ACS—a $2 million increase from previous years. The city budget funds 57 full-time positions, including kennel technicians, animal care officers, and live release coordinators. Currently, staff have filled 47 of those roles.
However, the report calls for 15 additional staff, which would require roughly $1 million more annually. Meanwhile, construction costs for a new kennel and renovation of existing facilities are estimated at $25 to $30 million, likely to be funded through a future bond initiative.
A proposed public engagement campaign would add another $2 million to the city’s investment in animal care.
Facing Fiscal Challenges Without Sacrificing Animal Welfare
Zanoni emphasized that he would shield ACS from proposed cuts despite the city facing a budget shortfall of $7 million in the upcoming fiscal year. While other departments may need to reduce spending, animal care remains a top priority.
Zanoni stated that hiring new kennel technicians, officers, and dispatchers will move forward as planned. “Animal welfare and public safety go hand in hand,” he said.
Building a Stronger Future for Animals and Residents
Corpus Christi is also expanding partnerships with nonprofit organizations that offer low-cost spaying, neutering, and pet care. These collaborations are significant for low-income pet owners and aim to reduce animal overpopulation sustainably.
The department plans to increase adoption and live release rates while launching proactive community programs such as off-site adoptions, pet microchipping events, and public awareness campaigns.
“This is the first time in our city’s history we have a roadmap to make this department best in class,” Zanoni said.