Discuss, consider, and take action on allowing the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter to apply for the DSHS Texas Spay and Neuter Grant.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is launching the Texas Spay and Neuter Pilot Program.  Background of the Texas Spay and Neuter Program (TXSNP)  During the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, the legislature passed Senate Bill 1, General Appropriations Act.  Rider 32 of the bill appropriates $13 million over the 2026-27 biennium to launch a program focused on the sterilization of dogs and cats.  This bill takes effect September 1, 2025. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has been tasked with designing and implementing a two-year pilot program focused on protecting human health by reducing the number of dogs and cats at risk for unplanned breeding that could carry infectious diseases.  DSHS will implement the program by offering grants to subsidize spay/neuter surgeries for dogs and cats.  Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is requesting permission to apply for this grant opportunity to aid the county's pets.