Thursday, March 28, 2024

Keller Council approves partnership between Regional Animal Adoption Center, Humane Society of North Texas

When the renovated Regional Animal Adoption Center opens in Keller next spring, employees of the Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT) will be managing its pet adoptions.

The Keller City Council on Tuesday approved plans for a three-year partnership with the nonprofit, providing the organization with utilities, maintenance, supplies and 6,500 square feet of work space to include the public lobby, work areas and kenneling facilities.

Expansion of the adoption center follows the merger of  Colleyville, Keller, Southlake and Westlake’s Animal Services operations on Oct. 1, 2012. The planned improvements will offer about four times the current capacity for dogs and double the capacity for cats, a 1,700-square-foot dog courtyard, a medical area for minor surgical procedures, a larger adoption and socialization area, and room to expand the center’s volunteer program. With construction currently ahead of schedule, Keller expects the renovated facility to open April 1, 2014.

The HSNT will staff the adoption area of the Animal Adoption Center for a minimum of 40 hours per week, manage the entire adoption and records process, ensure compliance with county and state laws, and oversee the facility’s volunteers.

“The Humane Society of North Texas is excited and looking forward to partnering with the City of Keller in an effort to increase adoptions,” HSNT President Martha York said. “We expect this partnership to benefit many animals needing good homes.”

“This facility is already a shining example of what can be accomplished through regional cooperation; by partnering on this endeavor, our four communities are benefiting from improved animal services at a lower cost to taxpayers,” said Mark Hafner, Keller’s police chief and public safety director. “Bringing the Humane Society of North Texas into the fold ensures greater expertise in the care and adoption of our animals and further reduces our operational costs.”

The initial terms of the agreement are for three years and include two additional five-year options for extension. For more information about this agreement or the regional adoption center, please contact the Keller Police Department at 817-743-4500.

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