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$1.5 million donation will fund Farmers Branch animal adoption center expansion, council told
Summary
City staff presented a proposal to expand the Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center using a $1.5 million donation; staff said the project will increase cat and dog capacity and is expected to begin construction early next year with a roughly two‑year schedule.
Scott Webster, deputy director of community services, presented the Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center expansion plan and said the effort is funded by a $1.5 million donation from the estate of Holly (last name per will), earmarked for a cat solarium and related upgrades.
Webster said the project will add separated visibility and handling areas for cats and dogs, three holding rooms, cat playrooms for public interaction, and reallocate former cat rooms to add dog capacity, increasing dog kennels from 39 to 45. Staff told council the design and construction work would be paid from the donation and that the project is expected to go to bid after plans are complete, with construction hoped to begin around the start of the calendar year and a roughly two‑year completion timeline.
Why it matters: The expansion increases the shelter’s capacity and improves animal handling and customer viewing areas. Council members thanked the donor and asked about remaining gift funds; staff said the estate’s overseer authorized using any unspent donation funds for other adoption‑center needs after project completion.
Council members asked operational questions. Councilman Reid asked about average daily census; staff said the shelter typically houses 30–39 dogs and about 20 cats day‑to‑day, which puts current operations at or near capacity. Councilman Neal asked whether the city accepts animals from other jurisdictions; staff said the shelter assists with housing when availability permits. Council members also asked about recognition for the donor; Webster said the will provides for naming and plaques and that donor recognition will appear on the facility facade.
Direction: Council members expressed general support and staff indicated plans will proceed. No formal vote was required to continue planning; staff said they will move forward with final design and bidding under the terms of the donation.
Clarifying details: donation amount $1,500,000; current dog kennel count 39, proposed 45; staff estimated typical daily dog census 30–39 and cat census about 20; project schedule: design and bid in months ahead with an anticipated construction start near the beginning of the next calendar year and a two‑year build window; any unspent donation funds will be used for other adoption center needs per the estate overseer.
