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Council authorizes interim public‑private partnership with DAWG to pursue new animal services facility
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Summary
Denison approved an interim public‑private partnership (Contract No. 2026‑0036) with Denison Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) to develop a new animal services facility on roughly 4–5 acres of city property, including plans for a low‑cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinic and a reversion clause if DAWG cannot continue operations.
Denison — The City Council voted unanimously to authorize a public‑private partnership interim agreement (Contract No. 2026‑0036) with Denison Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) to advance construction of a new animal services facility and clinic on city property.
City staff described a multi‑year collaboration between the city and DAWG to replace DAWG's current operations housed in the old south‑side fire station. Under the interim agreement the nonprofit would help secure property and funding; staff said roughly 4–5 acres could be carved from about 170 acres the city holds near the Citizens Residential Collection Station to site a new shelter and associated low‑cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinic. The plan also anticipates selling the existing facility to help pay debt service and includes a reversion clause so the city could retake operation if DAWG were unable to continue.
DAWG representative Stephanie told the council the existing shelter is small and aging and said a new facility would better serve animals and allow the organization to expand operations and veterinary services. City leaders praised DAWG’s ongoing service and the parties said they will continue collaborative work on design and financing. Mayor Pro Tem Teresa Adams moved to approve the agreement and authorize the interim city manager to execute it pending legal review; the motion carried unanimously.
Why it matters: The agreement lays out a path to build a city‑serving animal shelter and a public clinic intended to reduce long‑term operational deficits while providing animal control capacity and community vet services.
What’s next: The interim agreement authorizes final legal review and signature; staff and DAWG will proceed with site planning and financing steps required to implement the project.
