The big picture
At a May 12 meeting, Katy City Council approved a contract allowing the city to begin offering adoptions directly from the shelter, located at 25839 I-10 E., Katy. The new process aims to streamline the adoption process and decrease the amount of time pets are in the shelter, Animal Control Supervisor Katie Loewen said.
The direct adoptions come after the city invested $100 monthly in specialized software in February aimed at providing real-time records of pets in the city’s care, Loewen said. The city previously relied on outside animal rescues to locate adopters for pets found by the city.
“We're putting a burden on [rescue organizations] that they don't deserve,” she said. “It is not their job to have to facilitate adoptions and take on all [our animals]. They're already overwhelmed with animals that the shelter can’t take in. ... Everyone has too many animals right now, so asking rescues to take on that is just a burden that they shouldn't have to bear.”
A closer look
Adopters can view available pets on the city’s website or the animal shelter’s Facebook page, although visits are by appointment only Monday through Friday, according to the city’s website. All animals will be sterilized, vaccinated for rabies and microchipped, per state law.
What they’re saying
Council member Rory Robertson said he is excited to open adoptions through the shelter, as it’ll make the city eligible to receive animal services grants and discounted high-quality food for shelter animals.
“The people have spoken for years, and this is exactly what we've been fighting for,” he said. “It needs to get done.”
Going forward
Beginning May 13, animals are available for adoption following sterilization, Loewen said. Adoptions are free at this time, but the city will eventually establish adoption fees.
