Animal volunteers in Palo Alto are blasting a plan by the City Council to outsource the services provided by the Palo Alto Animal Shelter as a means to save money.
Under the proposal, the shelter would be run by Pets in Need out of Redwood City, a no-kill group that provides plush living for animals.
Critics say it's a move in the wrong direction and will leave several animals without a place to go.
"I don't think they have enough experience to run our shelter," volunteer Suzy Kang-Heisele said. "We do not pick and choose like Pets in Need has. We pick everybody; we help all animals."
City leaders say the plan is to save half of almost $1 million a year in operatiing costs.
"The taxpayers will feel it's a better use of taxpayer dollars," said city spokeswoman Claudia Keith.
Pets in Need says it will change little in the operating model and will even add an upgrade, ripping down fences and building more private rooms.
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"We hope to increase their save numbers, saving more animals than they're saving now," said Alexandra Baggs, of Pets in Need, who added that the organization will keep the door open for all animals.
