I am a single disabled mother who took in two foster dogs after my friend was murdered around Christmas. A Animal Control officer had received a a complaint because one whined at the back door because they are emotionally unstable and want me by them at all times. Several neighbor’s dogs do the same thing daily. Its a common sound in neighborhood backyards and ours go out for 5-10 min at most. I was questioned relentlessly and then given a ticket to register them for a $10 city tag. I emailed and explained my financial situation and requested an extension because I had one hospice dog and two new fosters all requiring extensive vetting costs. I was told they’d note it in their system but no extension was allowed.  I then asked about help for euthanasia costs because its nearly $200 and up at the vet. They said it cost $50 but I would NOT be allowed to sot with my pet as he was put down, I could only drop him off so I declined their help. They offered no assistance  or solutions other than TCAP which I already take all my dogs to.
I later went to the shelter with shots paperwork to get the tags and they argued with me that 2 were unsterlized and they’d triple the fee to $35. I declined to pay the increased cost and asked again for an  extension because all my dogs are sterilized and have shots. There are over 150 dogs on my vet records from years of fostering and 2 of the older  of the records were  lost. One dog was adopted 4 years and the owners returned her to me 5 years ago. The other was slowly dying of Cushing’s Disease.
I attempted again and brought all  the dogs to the shelter (besides the one dying) for examination if needed but their tattoos were so old they faded off. They demanded $35 registration tags even though I was in compliance and they decided I didn’t have proper paperwork so I broke down and pleaded for them to work with me because they put me on the court docket for non-compliance. I explained that I am attempting to help dogs just like they are and I was being punished for it.  The worker asked their “superior” and they finally allowed me to buy $10 tags. When I asked if they’d remove the court date, they said NO because I still had a dog at home dying. I ended up paying $25 for a body disposal fee for him and turned his body in. I asked if they’d remove the court date and they said, “You have to take that up with the court.” I will now have to miss multiple hours of work to address this despite my compliance. 
As taxpayers, we should not have to face such stringent and inflexible policies, particularly those of us dealing with financial hardships. It is time for change at the City of Allen Animal Shelter.

I propose the following changes to better serve our community's animal lovers who are also facing financial challenges:
1. **Free or discounted registration**: Provide free or discounted registration to individuals with disabilities or those living within poverty limits. This includes those on Food Stamps, SSI, SSDI, Senior Citizens, or those who can provide proof of low income.

2. **Euthanasia services**: Offer euthanasia services and permit owners to attend, with fees that are lowered for low-income individuals to $20

3. **Flexible fostering regulations**: Allow pet fosters to apply for a $2 temporary tag, providing them adequate time to complete veterinary requirements, vaccinations, and sterilization without the threat of court proceedings and doubled registration or fines. The City can form bonds with foster families and monitor foster’s placements, vetting,  and well being as they progress towards becoming adoptable. 

4. **Increase pet limits for foster homes**: Allow foster homes to accommodate more pets within reasonable limits to assist more animals in need. The city can monitor for cleanliness and appropriate fostering considerations. 

5. **Provide warnings, time, understanding, and more patience with foster homes as they work on training new pets who tend to bark, escape, or take a longer amount of time to stabilize medically before shots and sterilization can be considered. 

6. **Hospice dog consideration**: Offer special consideration for dogs in hospice care, ensuring they are treated with respect and dignity. Extend deadlines or allow the family space and time for their passing without pressure for registration, shots, court, or undo pressure to comply when they are at the end of life stage. 

By implementing these changes, the City of Allen Animal Shelter can become a more inclusive and compassionate facility that recognizes the financial and emotional difficulties faced by many pet owners and fosters. As citizens who pay taxes for services, I expect compassionate and helpful interactions and services. We shouldn’t have to pay higher fees when we are compliant and also providing a service to the community. 
People who are elderly, financially challenged, or disabled need pets for their own mental health and companionship to improve their spirit. Foster homes shouldn't be faced with punishment for volunteering community services with pets. We can all work together best as a community rather than as an authority over the people. We’re all in this together for the pets and people’s best interest. More money, fines, fees, and court isn’t a partnership. As citizens, we pay for city services to offer services for put pets, not prosecution.  

 I urge you to join me in advocating for these changes to ensure fair treatment and support for all members of our community. Please sign this petition to help bring about these necessary changes.