City of Kyle partners with Buda and Hays County to open new animal shelter

Kyle has approved an interlocal agreement with Buda and Hays County to build and operate a new animal shelter, with Kyle owning and running the facility and partners contributing funding. A $1.6 million design contract was approved and construction is expected to begin in Fiscal Year 2026-27.

The city of Kyle has agreed to partner with the city of Buda and Hays County to open and operate a new animal shelter. The decision follows San Marcos' announcement that it will no longer serve as Hays County's regional animal shelter by late 2026. Kyle officials worked with Jackson & Ryan Architects and a joint study found a need for a modern facility to support current and future animal control and sheltering demands. Formal interlocal agreements were approved by Hays County commissioners on Jan. 6 and by the Kyle City Council on Jan. 20. Key details: - The City of Kyle will own and have operational control of the facility, including staffing, policy and budget management. - Buda and Hays County will each contribute capital funding and operating costs; contributions will be recalculated annually based on usage. - Kyle City Council approved a $1.6 million design contract with Jackson & Ryan Architects. - Construction is expected to begin in Fiscal Year 2026-27. - Kyle currently contracts with San Marcos for animal services and sheltering, and San Marcos announced it will stop serving as the regional shelter by late 2026. Summary: The agreement establishes a regional approach to animal sheltering with Kyle as the owning and operating agency. Design work has been funded and construction is planned for Fiscal Year 2026-27. Funding commitments from Buda and Hays County will be adjusted annually according to facility usage.