Abstract: Downloaded from the Alliance for Innovation's documents holdings, this article deals with the unexpected controversies local government officials frequently encounter in dealing with animal welfare issues. Much to their surprise, rapidly changing societal attitudes are making this element of government operations a hotbed of public concern. Many animal welfare advocates are seeking nothing short of a complete transformation of animal control and sheltering operations with the goal of swiftly becoming "no kill" and/or "no more homeless pets" communities. This issue brief helps local government officials transform animal welfare services in response to these changing public expectations.