The development of a new Garland animal shelter is officially underway! The city broke ground Dec. 8 on its new animal shelter and adoption center at 1900 State Highway 66.
Approved in the May 2019 bond election, the 23,000-square-foot shelter will incorporate housing for 224 dogs and 140 cats, as well as additional space for exotic animals.
Garland Director of Animal Services Art Munoz said the facility will in itself increase the city’s standard of care.
“Now that a state-of-the-art facility is coming soon, we’re adding additional programs,” Munoz said. “Including an animal cruelty division and a behavioral specialist. From a community standpoint and for our animals coming into the shelter, this is a great time.”
Adoption suites, meeting and bonding rooms for both dogs and cats, and play yards are among the features. A large community room will host public and educational events. Natural daylighting throughout the facility will promote health and happiness among the animals, shelter staff and visitors. A spay/neuter clinic will serve the shelter and community.
Mayor Scott LeMay expressed sadness that the event couldn’t be shared with the public because of COVID-19 gathering restrictions. Only City Council and a few city staff and project team members could attend. He predicted that because of the public interest in the project, the site would be filled for the ribbon cutting. The shelter is scheduled to be completed in mid-2022.
“We know how important family is here in Garland,” the mayor said. “And we know that pets are a part of our families.”
The $15.8 million shelter will replace a 1960s facility, with more than double the current shelter’s square footage and capacity for animals. Garland Animal Services cares for about 8,000 animals a year.
“It’s really difficult to think of a project that has meant more to the citizens of Garland than this one,” City Manager Bryan Bradford said.
For more information, visit BuildGarland.com. A video recap of the event is available on the City’s YouTube channel.