From loose livestock to lost pets, and everything in between, the City of Kyle’s Animal Control Officers are dedicated, compassionate professionals who play a critical role in protecting both public safety and animal welfare throughout the community.
This week, join us in recognizing and thanking them during Animal Control Officers National Appreciation Week, observed April 12 through April 18.
“Animal control officers serve our community with compassion, expertise and dedication,” said Kyle Police Chief Dr. Jeff Barnett. “Their work plays a key role in maintaining the quality of life for our residents while ensuring animals in our community are treated with care and respect.”
In 2025, Kyle’s dispatch center received 4,691 animal control calls for service, ranging from barking complaints to loose livestock, with the majority involving unrestrained animals. Each call presents unique challenges and often requires quick response, sound judgment, and careful handling—particularly when public safety, traffic conditions, or an animal’s well-being is at risk. In addition to responding to emergencies, animal control officers play an important role in education, enforcement, and proactive problem-solving to help prevent future incidents.
When answering the call, Kyle Animal Control Officers demonstrate a strong commitment to reuniting pets with their families whenever possible. Throughout the year, officers successfully reunited and returned 403 animals to their owners, with an additional 48 animals reunited through shelter services. These efforts highlight the division’s broader mission, which extends beyond enforcement to include shelter support, community outreach, and compassionate care for animals in need, contributing to a safer, healthier community for both residents and their pets.
Planning for the Future
Beyond daily operations, the Animal Control Division is actively involved in planning a new regional animal shelter, a partnership between the City of Kyle, Hays County, and the City of Buda. The facility is being designed to meet the needs of the area’s growing population both now and in the future and will significantly enhance the community’s ability to care for animals humanely and responsibly.
City staff are working closely with architects during the planning process to ensure the shelter will be modern, clean, and appropriately sized. Planned features include expanded animal housing, training rooms, and a dedicated clinical space where veterinarians can perform health checks, vaccinations, and spay and neuter services.
“This new facility represents a huge step forward for our team and for the community we serve,” said Briana Geddes, Animal Control Division Supervisor. “We’re incredibly excited to have a space that not only allows us to care for animals more efficiently, but also expands what we can offer. This shelter will help us better meet the needs of a growing community while continuing to prioritize humane, compassionate care.”
For more information on the new Animal Care Center, see our previous Kyle TX News story: Kyle Buda, and Hays County Join Forces for new Animal Care Center
During the April 16 City Council meeting, Council read and approved a proclamation recognizing Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week to watch the presentation visit: https://kyletx.new.swagit.com/videos/381474?ts=4262.
