In Montgomery County, we value life. We value our families, our neighbors, and yes—we value the pets that bring so much joy to our homes.
For too long, the Montgomery County Animal Shelter (MCAS) faced challenges that frustrated taxpayers and animal lovers alike. Overcrowding, aging facilities, and bureaucratic hurdles made it difficult for our dedicated staff to do their jobs.
As your County Judge, I believe that when government fails to deliver, you don’t form a committee to talk about it – you step in and fix it. That is why I took on direct oversight of the shelter’s operations, applying the same conservative business principles we use in the commissioner’s court to the kennel.
A New Era of Leadership
When I assumed oversight of the shelter, my goal was simple: save lives while respecting the taxpayer. We stopped making excuses and started making changes.
- Cutting Red Tape: We streamlined the intake and adoption processes, making it easier for families to adopt and harder for animals to get “stuck” in the system.
- Investing in Personnel: We prioritized hiring critical roles, including a Live Release Manager and additional veterinary staff. These aren’t just “government jobs”; they are life-saving positions that ensure animals are healthy, vaccinated, and ready for their forever homes quickly.
- Facility Improvements: We tackled long-deferred maintenance, fixing HVAC systems and improving conditions for the animals immediately, rather than waiting for years for a new building.
Fiscal Responsibility: Building for the Future, Not the Ego
We all agree that Montgomery County needs a new animal shelter. The current facility is outdated and too small for our growing population. However, as a fiscal conservative, I refuse to write a blank check.
When initial estimates for a new facility came back with an “astronomical” price tag of over $80 million, I said no.
We will build a new shelter, but we will do it responsibly. We are currently working to design a facility that meets our needs without burdening future generations with excessive debt. We don’t need a Taj Mahal; we need a functional, sanitary, and safe environment that facilitates adoptions.
The “No-Kill” Goal and the Sanctity of Life
Conservatives believe in the sanctity of life, and that stewardship extends to God’s creation. I am incredibly proud that Montgomery County has consistently achieved a Live Release Rate of over 90%, earning recognition from national organizations like Best Friends Animal Society.
This isn’t just a statistic. It means that thousands of dogs and cats that would have been euthanized in other jurisdictions are instead finding loving homes here in Texas.
The Solution is YOU, Not Government
Finally, the success of our shelter proves a core conservative truth: Government cannot replace the community.
The reason we are saving lives isn’t just because of county funding; it is because of the army of volunteers, fosters, and rescue partners who step up every day. When the shelter is full, our community opens its doors. When a dog needs heartworm treatment, private donors chip in.
This partnership between the county and private citizens is the model for how government should work – supporting the community, not replacing it.
How You Can Help
We are turning the ship around, but we need you on deck.
- Adopt: If you are looking for a new family member, skip the breeder and visit MCAS.
- Foster: Opening your home for just a few weeks can save a life and free up kennel space.
- Volunteer: We need dog walkers, event helpers, and photographers.
Together, we are making Montgomery County a safer, kinder place for all of God’s creatures.
— Mark Keough Montgomery County Judge
