Capital campaign for new Denton animal shelter announced

by PegNews wire

Denton Animal Shelter Foundation, Inc. (DASF) has launched a $3.2 million capital campaign to support the building of a new state-of-the-art Denton Animal Care and Adoption Center.

Denton has a critical need for a new animal shelter to replace the existing 30-year old City of Denton shelter built in 1979, which is out of date and out of capacity. This current shelter, which has a maximum capacity of 114 animals, will handle over 5,000 dogs and cats in 2009. Due to population growth by 2017, conservative estimates are that over 7,550 stray, abused, and abandoned dogs and cats will require service annually. “This is a project that is long overdue for Denton and needs addressing with appropriate dispatch,” said DASF Chairman Bette Sherman.

DASF is a federal tax-exempt foundation partnering with the City of Denton in proposing an updated and more humane concept in animal care and adoption. The city will need to fund the majority of the new 22,240 square foot facility, which would continue to house city Animal Services functions required by state and city regulation. DASF is soliciting private donations for the “adoption and care” areas, changing the strategic focus from merely warehousing cats and dogs to rescue and adoption.

After 18 months of assessment and research, the conceptual design for the new Denton Animal Care and Adoption Center was completed by Connolly Architects, Inc., an Austin-based firm specializing in animal shelters. Hired by the city, Connolly completed a Master Plan that was accepted by the city council in December, 2008. In January 2009, the city purchased 20 acres of park land, designating 6 acres for the new animal care facility.

Sherman stated that the goal is “to save thousands more adoptable animals through increased adoption rates combining the new center with better marketing.” The facility as proposed would be three times the size of the existing shelter and would allow for future growth and expansion.

The areas funded through private donations would include attractive adoption-friendly cat and dog habitats, outside play areas for dogs, cat screened porch, on-site veterinary clinic, community/event room, grooming area, “get-acquainted” private rooms, separate space for puppy and kitten families, and volunteer coordination/training space. This state-of-the art facility would seek to qualify for green energy efficiency LEED silver designation and would use advanced technology for maximum operating cost effectiveness.

“This new facility would be a positive reflection on the image of the city of Denton,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Pete Kamp, DASF vice chairman. She added that “the city would continue to operate the care center with increased participation from volunteers and local rescue groups.”

As part of the capital campaign, contributors have the opportunity to “name” areas of the new shelter. Naming opportunities are available for individuals, families, businesses, and/or groups; they can include in “memory” or “honor ” designations. Donors may elect to submit a pledge with flexible payment terms. A permanent “Wall of Honor” will be installed in the lobby of the new facility recognizing contributors. Texas State Representative Myra Crownover is serving as honorary chairman of the capital campaign.

The mission of DASF is fundraising and public education to support the city shelter; it is not involved in daily shelter operation. DASF is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit organization with no paid staff.

To learn more about Denton Animal Care and Adoption Center and/or capital campaign donation opportunities, access the DASF website at www.dentonanimalshelterfoundation.com. Donations may be made online or mailed to Denton Animal Shelter Foundation, P.O. Box 486, Denton, 76202.

Source: City of Denton