Austin Pets Alive! has presented the Pet Resource Center community survey results, which totaled 1,079 responses in both English and Spanish. The results were shared at the Dec.18 Comissioner’s Court meeting as a part of the ongoing planning process for the Hays County Pet Resource Center.
The survey, announced back in September, remained open through the end of October. Community members were encouraged to participate in the survey to help identify the needs of people and pets in Hays County that a future pet resource center could help support.
“The goal was to gauge support for a new facility and better understand pet-related needs and challenges faced by community members,” said Lee Ann Shenefiel, Austin Pets Alive! Executive Advisor and Project Coordinator. “Approximately 70% of respondents indicated they were not able to access something they needed for their pet in the last 3 years.”
Efforts made by Austin Pets Alive! to promote the survey included attendance at 11 events throughout September and October, such as the Hays County Food Bank distributions, PALS Pet Fest and tabling at local libraries. An estimated 1,095 patrons were engaged during these events. Volunteers with the Hays County Pet Resource Center also spent approximately 30 hours delivering flyers to over 50 locations within Hays County, such as pet stores and shelters.
“It's no surprise results show that Hays County loves their dogs and cats,” said Ruben Becerra, Hays County Judge. “The most commonly desired services were low-cost spay and neuter, financial assistance for veterinary care, free or low-cost microchipping services and pet behavior education. The findings showed an overwhelming majority, 80%, of respondents support a new facility.”
For more information about the Hays County Pet Resource Center project, visit linktr.ee/hayspetresource and follow @ hayspetresource on Facebook and Instagram.
