Things are happening at the Williamson County Animal Shelter, and the hard work is paying off.
Shelter Director Misty Valenta was selected to join the Best Friends Animal Society’s Network Strategy Council. The council is a volunteer committee that advises how to best support the work of animal rescue groups and shelter organizations in the U.S.
“I'm very honored to be selected,” Ms. Valenta said. “It's also really a testament to the staff that I have at the shelter and their incredible teamwork and dedication.”
Best Friends Animal Society is a national animal welfare organization with more than 5,000 animal welfare and shelter partners dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America's shelters. The NSC consists of 15 animal welfare leaders from organizations within the Best Friends Network.
Williamson County Commissioners Court recognized Ms. Valenta’s appointment during the November 26 meeting.
She was selected because of her commitment to innovation, her track record in animal sheltering and dedication to pet lifesaving through no-kill philosophies and best practices, according to the county.
No-kill means saving every dog or cat in a shelter who can be saved. Community safety and good quality of life for pets are guiding principles of the no-kill philosophy and are attainable when animal welfare professionals engage in best practices and protocols.
“Misty, you do what you do with passion and creativity, and I appreciate your leadership,” Commissioner Cynthia Long said.
Williamson County is a “shining example” of a no-kill shelter, said Kasey Spain, senior manager of Best Friends Network.
“The shelter and community that Misty and her team serve is innovative,” she said. “They are collaborative. They're working with other shelters that are not yet no-kill to help them do what they're doing here in Williamson County."
Ms. Spain said 82 percent of the animals that come into Williamson County stay in Williamson County and are adopted by residents of Wilco. Comparatively, that is at least 30 percent higher than most shelters of the same size.
“We're very thankful for our shelter director and our staff and the fact that we're somewhat unique in our partnership with the four major cities,” said Commissioner Valerie Covey, who is the shelter liaison for the court. “We have been successful for 18 years, so that's a remarkable record. Congratulations on this honor of being selected, and as well, just the highlight of our shelter and work that is being done there.”
Other actions
The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved other administrative items during the November 26 meeting.
The Fiscal Year 2025 Animal Shelter Donation Fund totals $1,019,019.28. The total unspent Fiscal Year 2024 is $1,147,802.02, of that amount $128,782.74 will be restricted in the fund balance to be used for future capital needs.
When analyzing the numbers, 41 percent – the largest amount of donated funds – will go to Jane’s Fund, which pays for animals needing veterinary medical care. According to county documents, the budget is based on unspent Fiscal Year 2024 donations.