Why is the new Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center needed?

 Capacity

• The maximum capacity of the current shelter is 114 dogs and cats.

• The current facility was built in 1979 and expanded in 1988.

• The 7,000 square foot facility is out-of-date and inadequate to meet current demand.

• Over 5,000 animals are handled annually in this 30 year old facility.

• In recent years, population growth in this community has increased animals requiring service by 54% in a three year period.

• This facility handles stray, abandoned and abused animals from the city of Denton (with two major universities), Corinth, Krum, Roanoke and all of unincorporated Denton County.

• Population served is over 250,000 and growing.

• Limited capacity means shorter “holding periods” for shelter animals and less opportunity to find adopters. 

Design

• The facility was designed as a “warehouse” for animals, not an adoption/rescue center.

• It cannot be updated, expanded or remodeled.

• The building cannot meet the more recent higher standards for animal welfare as reflected in current state and national codes and as suggested by the Humane Society of the United States.

Location

• The current shelter was built in a flood plain; and in 2007, it completely flooded.  No animals were harmed but substantial loss of equipment occurred as well as serious damage.

• It is located next to the county jail complex and in a neighborhood dedicated to prison services.

Public Opinion

• Recognition of animal welfare issues has intensified in recent years.

• The current facility tarnishes the image of the community and reflects poorly on the quality of life in this area.

• A survey of over 1,000 residents concluded that a new animal shelter was critically needed.

Operational

• Routine maintenance and implementation of disease control is difficult due to the out-dated structure.

• Animal stress levels are high due to the configuration.

• No space for public education, volunteer orientation, private “get acquainted” rooms.

• No space for an on-site vet clinic, on-site triage of injured animal, vaccinations or microchipping.

• Limited outside space for dog walking/playing.

• No space for cat “play areas.”

• No grooming space.

Over 1,500 animals/year can be saved with a new adoption and care facility.

Revised January, 2011