DORAL, Fla. – Miami-Dade Animal Services, the county-run shelter long plagued by overcrowding, controversies and leadership turnover, is under new management.
Annette Jose, the shelter’s third director in three years, spoke exclusively to Local 10 Animal Advocate Jacey Birch about her plans to address persistent issues and improve conditions for animals and staff.
“For the first time, Local 10 is allowed behind closed doors,” said Jose, who gave a tour of the shelter and its operations, including the intake area for dogs and the TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-return) program for cats.
“What we have done is say, look, come in, come to the shelter, see the dogs, see we have nothing to hide,” Jose explained. “We’re doing the best we can. You can go into the back area where before it was restricted.”
The shelter has faced significant challenges, including protests over euthanasia lists, strained relationships with rescue groups, and overcrowding that has sometimes forced the use of an overflow facility in Medley, which is prone to flooding.
Jose, who previously worked in the shelter’s budget and finance department, acknowledged the reputation issues.
“You know the reputation that has existed for M-DAS before. Do you think you are making a positive impact in the one year that you have been director?” Birch asked Jose.
“I do, but I also think that change happens slowly, and if you want it to be long-lasting, you have to be patient through that process,” she replied.
The shelter cares for up to 35,000 animals annually, with a capacity for 350 dogs that is often exceeded. During her tenure, Jose has prioritized reducing the population to provide better care.
“My biggest challenge when I started, we had 813 dogs, so my number one challenge was how are we going to decrease the population because if we have 800 dogs, we’re not providing quality care, that’s just the reality,” she said.
Jose’s efforts have included fostering partnerships with rescue groups, which helped relocate nearly 400 dogs ahead of Hurricane Milton, and maintaining the shelter’s no-kill status with a 90% save rate for dogs and cats.
Despite an annual budget exceeding $43 million, Jose noted that funding remains a hurdle.
“Do you think you have enough money to accomplish your goals?” asked Birch.
You know, when you ask someone in public service, I think their answer is always going to be, we could use more!” said Jose.
As she works to overhaul the shelter’s culture and operations, Jose emphasized her commitment to animal welfare.
“What I want to do is focus on animal welfare, to make sure that every decision we make is in the best interest of the animal,” she said.
Looking ahead, Jose hopes to change public perceptions of the shelter.
“I want to be considered part of the animal advocate community. I want Miami-Dade Animal Services to be a part of that animal advocate community, not just the shelter,” she said.
The shelter remains a critical resource for the community, but Jose acknowledges there is still work to be done to rebuild trust and improve outcomes for animals in need.
Click here for more information on M-DAS and how you can contribute.
