City Report Exposes Urgent Need for Shelter Overhaul and Cultural Shift
A recent assessment revealed major issues at Corpus Christi Animal Care Services, including poor veterinary care, limited fostering, and weak adoption efforts. Jan Glick’s report to City Council shows an under-resourced shelter struggling with outdated facilities and weak leadership amid growing stray animal numbers.
Troubling Trends and Declining Live Release Rates
Corpus Christi Animal Services euthanized 772 of the 3,777 animals it received in 2023, despite ongoing efforts to reduce euthanasia. While the shelter adopted 947 animals, 67 died while in its care. The live release rate — a key performance metric in animal welfare — dropped to 78%, its lowest level since 2016.
Glick emphasized that Corpus Christi animal services staff, particularly those in supervisory roles, lack the necessary experience in animal welfare to implement national best practices. The shelter, built in 2004, remains ill-equipped to manage today’s volume and complexity of care.
Infrastructure and Staffing Gaps Limit Capacity
Citygate’s evaluation found major facility issues at the Holly Road shelter, including no isolation area for sick cats or proper adoption spaces.
Citygate recommended adding 18 cat cages, an air-conditioned kennel, and upgrading intake, isolation, and enrichment areas. Staffing-wise, the report calls for 27 new hires to strengthen operations and improve animal care.
Culture, Outreach, and Community Engagement Need Revamp
Beyond infrastructure, the assessment points to deeper issues — including a workplace culture that fails to prioritize education, public engagement, and community partnerships. Glick stressed that transformation will require a long-term, multi-year effort focused on outreach and internal accountability.
Citygate urges stronger rescue partnerships, expanded volunteer efforts, better marketing, extended hours, and veterinary care to reduce euthanasia and shelter stays.
Euthanized Animals Sent to Landfill Amid Cremation Unit Repairs
Two days before the council meeting, ACS admitted sending euthanized animals to the landfill due to a broken cremation unit. The company completed its findings in September 2024, but officials delayed the presentation until new city council members took office.
This development added urgency to the report’s findings, spotlighting a broader need for transparency and accountability in how the shelter operates and communicates with the public.
Recommendations, Progress, and the Road Ahead
Citygate launched the assessment in October 2023 following a contract approved by City Manager Peter Zanoni. The company completed findings in September 2024, but officials postponed presenting until new council members took office.
The firm outlined 170 actionable strategies across five focus areas: policy, operations, staffing, facilities, and culture. Of those, 28 require formal approval from the City Council, primarily tied to budget decisions for staff expansions and facility upgrades.
So far, the city has completed 12 recommendations, and 53 are in progress. The city aims to complete 65 reforms by 2025 and phase in 105 more through 2030.
Council Members Call for Swift and Meaningful Action
Councilwoman Carolyn Vaughn and District 3 Councilman Eric Cantu strongly supported the department’s reform. Cantu urged reducing euthanasia rates and expanding Corpus Christi’s animal shelter capacity to improve care.
“I understand we can’t be 100% no-kill and that we have sick dogs and sick cats,” Cantu said. “But to kill animals for space — we’ve got to do better for Corpus Christi.”
With 170 reforms proposed and public pressure mounting, Corpus Christi must prove its commitment to compassionate animal care.