We, the residents and taxpayers of Missouri City, are asking the Missouri City City Council to pause any plan to close or substantially repurpose the Missouri City Animal Shelter and outsource our community’s sheltering services until residents are given complete information and a meaningful opportunity for public input.

At a recent City Council meeting, residents learned that the City is considering a major change to the way Missouri City handles its homeless and stray animals, including outsourcing sheltering services.

This is not a minor operational decision. It affects our animals, our residents, our tax dollars, our Animal Services employees, and the future of animal welfare in Missouri City.

Before such a significant and potentially irreversible decision is made, taxpayers deserve answers.

We are asking the City to publicly provide:

The complete financial analysis used to determine that outsourcing is more cost-effective than operating and investing in Missouri City’s own shelter.
A clear explanation of the projected cost per animal, including the approximately $1,400-per-dog figure discussed publicly, how that number was calculated, and what services are included.
The total projected annual cost of outsourcing, including transportation, intake, medical care, housing, staffing, euthanasia, after-hours services, and any additional fees that could be charged to the City.
A detailed comparison of current and proposed service levels, including where residents will take found or surrendered animals, how lost pets will be reclaimed, what happens after hours, and how quickly Missouri City animals will receive care.
An explanation of what will happen to the existing Missouri City Animal Shelter facility and the public funds that have already been invested in it.
A transparent evaluation of alternatives, including investing in the existing shelter, expanding capacity, improving staffing, developing public-private partnerships, and working with local nonprofit and rescue organizations.
A public meeting or workshop specifically dedicated to the future of Missouri City Animal Services before any final decision is made.
Missouri City currently has its own local shelter and an established network of residents, volunteers, fosters, adopters, and rescue partners who have invested years into helping our community’s animals.

This petition is not about resisting change simply because it is change. If outsourcing truly provides Missouri City residents and animals with better service at a lower long-term cost, the City should be able to demonstrate that clearly.

We are simply asking Missouri City to show us the numbers, show us the plan, consider the alternatives, and give the public a voice before making a decision that could permanently change animal services in our community.

Please pause the proposed shelter closure or repurposing until that process occurs.

Our animals deserve thoughtful planning. Our residents deserve transparency. And Missouri City taxpayers deserve to know exactly what they are paying for.