Hitchcock Road Animal Services unveils three‑year strategic plan to boost outcomes and partnerships

Hitchcock Road Animal Services presented a three‑year strategic plan aimed at improving animal welfare outcomes, expanding community partnerships and securing sustainable funding.

Cindy Burnham, Hitchcock Road Animal Services administrator, said the JPA’s process included stakeholder interviews, visioning sessions and a SWOT analysis; staff worked with Ramey and Associates and consulted best practices. The plan identifies three major goals: deliver high‑quality animal services (metrics include live release rates, length of stay and return‑to‑owner rates), expand community engagement and partnerships (volunteer recruitment and inclusive outreach) and establish sustainable funding (diversifying grant and donor support).

Board members praised the breadth of community input and asked detailed questions about staffing and recruitment for animal control officers, metrics for responsiveness to citizen calls, and partnerships to expand low‑cost veterinary care. Burnham said recruitment is underway, some positions are in process, and JPA funds exist to support hires; staff highlighted partnerships with nonprofit clinics and planned low‑cost spay/neuter clinics.

Public commenters supported strong prevention measures (spay/neuter and microchipping) and urged enforceable ordinances to reduce shelter intake. The Board received the report and staff said they will present the plan to city councils and continue implementation work.