The Hays County Resource Center is trailblazing a new animal welfare model that will provide programs focused on public safety, animal safety and lifesaving, increased public access to important resources for pet owners, and community education to provide safe and humane care for pets–and it all began with community engagement. Panelists Lee Ann Shenefiel, Hays County Pet Resource Center Executive Advisor, Alex Villalobos, Hays County Chief of Staff, and Sari M. Vatske, President & CEO of Central Texas Food Bank discuss how they combined a grassroots approach with data and community partnerships to garner not only community support but municipal support as well.