The San Marcos City Council has decided on a strategy to address the problem of overcapacity at the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter. By late 2026, the responsibility for the regional shelter will be handed over to Hays County, as reported by CBS Austin. This decision culminates years of collaboration between the city and the county but comes as the result of persistent overcrowding issues that have strained the facility.
According to a statement obtained by KVUE, Derryann Krupinsky, the city of San Marcos assistant director of Neighborhood Enhancement, the shelter consistently exceeds its capacity, at times by 30 to 50 kennels. This has made maintaining a proper environment for the animals difficult. In a recent city council meeting, members outlined that Hays County will assume responsibility for the regional shelter, with the city of San Marcos narrowing its focus to serve only its local community, potentially reducing the strain on facility resources.
The current interlocal agreement, which has seen San Marcos operate the shelter on behalf of both the city and neighboring regions like Kyle and Buda, will hold for another two years; during this time, the transition of responsibilities will be prepared. Greg Carr, San Marcos Director of Neighborhood Enhancement, indicated during the August 20 city council meeting that "This isn’t a negotiation anymore. This is, we are getting out of the business, and this is what we need for us so that we can survive," as stated by CBS Austin.
Hays County is already in the process of creating its pet resource center, which is due to be completed around the same time the current agreement ends. Krupinsky expressed optimism about the change, telling KVUE, "In theory, when the city of San Marcos is only housing its own animals, the population should be that much more manageable."
