Abandoned animals in DeSoto to get new digs

by Steve Snyder of TODAY Newspapers

The new shelter will have a strict rule against doing this type of thing to your new dog.

Abandoned dogs and cats in Cedar Hill, DeSoto and Duncanville will soon have a better temporary home while waiting for permanent new owners.

The Tri-City Animal Shelter, which opened in 1995 as a combined effort of the cities of Cedar Hill, DeSoto and Duncanville, held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new shelter Nov. 22 at 1150 E. Pleasant Run Road in Cedar Hill. The three cities officially approved funding a new shelter building this spring. With Tri-City located in Cedar Hill, that city officially oversees its operations, including the construction project.

The new building will have the facilities to not only accommodate a larger number of animals, but to house them in a more comfortable and safe environment. The new shelter will have separate housing for all dogs and cats, which will reduce the stress on both. Also, in the public areas, the dogs and cats will be behind glass thus improving the odor and reducing the noise level in the walkways. This will also be a great benefit to those who suffer from allergies to either dogs or cats. Finally, the new shelter will contain an indoor get-to-know-you room that will facilitate adoptions by allowing a potential pet parent to spend time with the dog or cat prior to taking him home, Tri-City Animal Shelter Manager Alissa Preliss said.

Since opening, the shelter has reunited more than 10,000 dogs and cats with their owners and given almost 17,000 dogs and cats a second chance at a new life. Over the past few years, the shelter has increased its scope to include additional services such as mandatory and discounted microchipping and increased public education.

The shelter is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday with a staff of 12. Volunteers can help support the shelter through Friends of Tri-City. For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact either Barbara Detmore at 972-296-4910 or B.J. Farmer at 972-230-6124. To make a donation or for questions regarding fundraising events, contact Farmer.