Denton Animal Care and Adoption Center

The new 22,242 square foot City of Denton Animal Services center will replace the existing 30-year old 7,000 square foot shelter.   This new state-of-the-art concept will change the focus from just “warehousing” stray, neglected and abused animals to rescue and adoption.  The change in mission is made possible by the facility’s significant increase in size and enhanced location.  It will save thousands more pets each year. 

 The new building will be attractive and “user friendly” encouraging visitation by the public.  Adequate parking will be available for normal daily usage as well as for after-hours events.  Visiting rooms will allow interaction with animals available for adoption.  Use of technology will enhance both public interaction and staff efficiency.  Large adoption rooms with glass viewing panels will reduce stress on the animals while providing potential adopters with broader observation.

Animal habitats will be healthier for the animals.  Get acquainted areas will allow better opportunity for selection of the “right” pet.  Canine outdoor runs will provide exercise and stress-reduction benefits.  Cats will have unrestricted movement, play and safe “outdoor” experience in the cat screened porch.

An on-site veterinary clinic will provide triage, vaccinations, spay/neuter, minor wound attention and micro-chipping.  This will reduce both adoption costs to the public and rescue expense to the city by decreasing the need for private veterinary services.  It will give injured pets faster aid and identify disease issues before affecting the shelter population.

Space will be available for grooming and for canine obedience training, as well as for volunteer coordination/training.  Both puppy and kitten “families” will be able to remain together in their own space.

 The community/training room will provide space for public animal welfare education, as well as for after-hours public and private events.  The animal habitats can be secured while attendees use the large meeting room, restrooms and “coffee/serving bar.”   This public usage will promote more adoptions through awareness of the new facility.

Landscaping will enhance the attractiveness of the center while controlling maintenance expense.  The softscape, such as plants and gardens will consist of xeriscape plants as well as trees to provide shade in the summer and block cold winds during the winter.  The hardscape, such as paths, walkways and planters will be of durable materials designed to require minimum maintenance.

The 22,242 square foot design anticipates five years’ population growth in the City of Denton based upon city projections.  Dog/cat statistics from the current Denton Animal Services records were the basis of the Needs Assessment performed in 2007-08.  A formula developed by The American Pet Products Manufacturer’s Association was used to calculate numbers of dogs and cats per household using their National Pet Owners Survey.  A comprehensive Master Plan for the Denton Animal Care and Adoption Center was completed in 2008 and approved by the Denton City Council. 

 Energy Efficiency:  The new center is designed to obtain LEED silver certification, maximizing energy efficiency and resource conservation.

The new Denton Animal Care and Adoption Center will provide significantly increased capability for immediate care and shelter -  with the increased hope of long term adoption into loving homes.