AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin Pets Alive! said it reduced its staff by letting go of around 20 staff members, due to "economic challenges" the nonprofit is facing, APA! said in an email to KXAN. The nonprofit said the staffing changes would not impact the number of pets it has on-site. The decision happened Wednesday as a way to reduce its staffing by 10%, according to APA! Austin Animal Center audit finds poor conditions, challenges with ‘no kill’ policy "This is heartbreaking because we have worked so hard to support our workers through a rapid change in the Austin cost of living," APA! said. The nonprofit said it worked for months with its staff "through attrition and other cost-cutting measures but are left with no choice" moving into this year. "We are deeply grateful for the contributions of all our employees, and are committed to supporting those impacted through this transition with severance packages and career assistance," APA! said. The nonprofit said it will continue to keep the city of Austin's "no-kill" policy "that are slated for euthanasia at Austin Animal Center."