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Dear Friends of the Humane Society of Central Texas,
The Humane Society of Central Texas (HSCTX) has made the difficult decision to end its partnership with the City of Waco, with both parties signing a termination agreement last week. This partnership, which began in 2012, assigned the City to operate the Waco Animal Shelter (Shelter) and care for the animals, while HSCTX, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, was responsible for finding homes through adoptions, fostering, and coordinating with rescue groups locally and nationally.
For many years, the partnership was supportive and successful, greatly benefiting the animals. However, the relationship has become increasingly challenging. The City’s appointment of Shelter directors, paid approximately $120,000 annually, without prior experience in animal sheltering has created significant management challenges. The recent decision to place Animal Services under the Police Department, with a Commander serving as the Shelter director, has further exacerbated these issues, leading to a decline in shelter oversight and the quality of animal care.
HSCTX has been burdened with financial challenges caused by these issues, which we have shouldered to improve conditions. However, we can no longer continue in this manner. Additionally, HSCTX staff, who have stepped in to address gaps in care, have faced punitive efforts and measures, making it increasingly difficult to maintain the high standards of care the community expects and deserves.
Despite these challenges, HSCTX is proud of the work our staff, volunteers, and supporters have accomplished. Since 2016, we have saved over 38,000 animal lives resulting in an average live exit rate exceeding 90%—the national standard of excellence in animal sheltering. Our Human-Animal Support Services (H.A.S.S.) program provided tens of thousands of dollars in support for Shelter reclaims. We coordinated and transported hundreds of animals for spay/neuter surgeries at partnered clinics and provided food and supplies to over 300 pets and their families each month. As a non-profit, we are deeply grateful for the community's support, which has been instrumental in making these achievements possible.
While we regret having to leave the Shelter campus, we believe this decision is necessary to bring about positive change. We encourage our community to join us in advocating for the highest standards of animal care and to actively support the Shelter in enhancing its lifesaving impact and continuing the No-Kill mission. We know there are still Shelter staff who share this goal.
HSCTX will continue to be a passionate advocate for animals in the Shelter, other homeless animals, and pet owners struggling to keep their pets. We are excited about the opportunities ahead, such as transitioning into a foster-based rescue, establishing neighborhood support groups to address animal welfare needs, and expanding access to spay/neuter services. We also plan to reestablish our Pet Pantry and offer free microchipping to help expedite lost pets back home.
HSCTX remains committed to getting animals out of the Shelter and preventing animals from ever needing to enter it. We are deeply grateful for the public's support and ask that our community continue to stand with us as we enter a new era of life-saving opportunities.
Please stay tuned for exciting updates in the coming days!
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