Animal Shelter Advisory Committee 10-14-26

The City of El Paso Animal Shelter Advisory Committee met on October 14, 2026. The chair reported that City Council had unanimously approved an award to Midwest Veterinary Supply for veterinary narcotic medications, totaling $61,212.95 over five years. The chair also reported changes to the city fee schedule: adoption fees now range from $0 to $198, with standard adoption pricing unchanged, and new fees were added for public veterinary services delivered through the El Paso Veterinary Medical Association (EPVMA). The committee discussed the city’s annual budget recommendations, including recurring funding for spay/neuter services and possible interim funding for animal-services fleet and facilities; no funding commitment was reported. The director’s report noted 167 public surgeries scheduled through EPVMA at discounted rates and ongoing shelter staffing, training, and facility needs.

The committee unanimously recommended that City Council explore a program offering no-cost spay/neuter services for unaltered animals returned to owners, including potential funding and program design. Members also received an update on actions following the 2025 Shelter Savvy assessment, including staff training, operational changes, and a planned internal audit; no related procurement award was made. The committee unanimously canceled its November 11 meeting because it falls on Veterans Day.