The Georgetown Animal Shelter recently achieved no-kill status for the 10th year in a row, with a save rate of 94.4 percent. A euthanasia rate of 10 percent or lower is considered no-kill among animal shelters.
“We’re very proud of our transformation over the past 10 years and grateful that the Georgetown community values this type of shelter for animals that have been lost, displaced, or surrendered,” Animal Services manager April Haughey said.
The shelter officially opened its doors at the current location across from San Gabriel Park in 2005, after having operated out of two temporary, small buildings in preceding years. The building was converted for shelter operations with funds from the City’s General Fund and from local animal welfare groups and residents.
Over the past three decades, the City animal shelter has provided care and housing for lost, abandoned, and abused cats, dogs, and other small animals. The facility also features community cat rooms for cats to play and socialize; outdoor exercise yards for dogs to play and interact; quarantine areas for sick or injured animals, a surgical room; and until recently, offices for Animal Control.
Haughey attributed the shelter’s success in achieving no-kill status for the 10th consecutive year to the high adoption rate for cats and dogs. In the 2024 fiscal year, the shelter recorded 922 adoptions, and another 240 animals were reunited with their families. Other efforts that contributed to the status include the shelter’s cat spay and neuter clinics and the popular Kittens at the Library event.
Haughey pointed to the close relationship with Animal Control officers as one of the positive features of a municipal animal shelter. Other highlights include:
- Canine behavioral assessments for all adult dogs (older than six months)
- 12 years of free spay/neuter clinics for resident cats
- Participation in community events. In FY 2024, the shelter joined 42 events, including assisted living visits, educational presentations, and adoption events.
“Animal Services would like to thank all of the organizations and everyone who has contributed to making this shelter a reality over the years, including our many volunteers,” Haughey said.
With the passing of a bond in November 2024, the City is working to transfer responsibility of animal sheltering to Williamson County as soon as possible. The proposal is currently under review by the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
The Georgetown Animal Shelter, which is an open intake municipal shelter, is located at 110 W.L. Walden Drive and is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The shelter is closed on Wednesdays. Contact the shelter at 512-930-3592 or online at georgetowntexas.gov/pets.
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