AUSTIN, Texas — Economic challenges have forced an Austin animal shelter to lay off some staff.
Austin Pets Alive! confirmed to KVUE that it will reduce about 20 positions to “maintain” its life-saving work.
The shelter made the decision Wednesday saying economic challenges are facing many Austin-area organizations. They also said the decision was “heartbreaking” because they’ve worked hard to support their workers through the city’s changing cost of living.
According to the shelter, it also worked for months with its staff and on other cost-cutting measures before cutting 10% of its staff. Those being laid off will be given career assistance and severance packages.
Will pets be affected?
The shelter said it is ensuring that pets won’t be disproportionately affected by the layoffs. It plans to keep “the same employee per onsite pet” staffing and reiterated its commitment to keeping Austin a “no-kill city.”
In April 2024, employees started the process of becoming the largest animal shelter union in the U.S. Employees said about 200 signatures were collected as part of their historic first steps.
At the time, employees said unionizing would lead to better working conditions for the people and animals. They also emphasized the need for a better facility and more people to help do the job.
In May, the Austin Pets Allied Workers won their vote to form the union and joined the International Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
Changes at Austin Pets Alive!
Currently, the shelter is undergoing a massive makeover.
In 2024, the shelter moved out of its 75-year-old facility and into two buildings near Sunset Valley. The new $13 million hospital allowed Austin Pets Alive! to double its capacity while being cleaner and more efficient.
The city of Austin approved emergency repairs for the shelter, which included bigger kennels and improved heating and cooling systems. However, those are just temporary fixes with the ultimate goal of rebuilding the downtown facility.
The makeover is expected to last a few months, but expect the rebuilt shelter to happen within the next few years. The shelter recently signed a 75-year lease at its Downtown Austin shelter, but won’t be able to expand its current property, which is why it’s expanding its operations.
Both projects are being funded by donations and adoption fees.