Grapevine Animal Services will officially open its new animal shelter to the public on Monday, April 19, 2021. The new facility is part of a citizen-approved 2017 bond election, and at more than 13,500 square feet, is approximately three times the size of its former building.
The new shelter is designed and built to the highest industry safety standards for animals and people. Each room and living space has its own air system to prevent the potential spread of illness. Solar tubes, windows and natural lighting are set up throughout the shelter, and sound-reducing panels are installed to limit noise between rooms.
Dogs and cats have double-sided housing, which means they can eat and sleep in an area separate from elimination. This also helps with daily cleaning during inclement weather days, or when it is not safe to go outside.
There are separate rooms for adoption, quarantine, medical isolation, and stray or surrendered animals, as well as meet-and-greet rooms for families and a community room for group activities, educational events and birthday parties.
The new animal shelter includes several covered outdoor areas that can be easily cleaned and allow for water play and other enrichment activities. A fenced outdoor courtyard allows families to visit with adoptable pups in a natural setting and bring current dogs to meet.
A veterinary space is also included in the building, so animals can receive onsite medical care. The front lobby of the shelter includes a storefront where families can purchase supplies such as food, bowls and toys.
"We are thrilled to offer a shelter that is safe, loving and humane for the animals in need within our community. Our staff and volunteers have spent countless hours making sure that everything about the shelter, down to the fear-free color palette, was designed with the utmost care. We can't wait to welcome people and animals into Grapevine Animal Services," says Kristina Valentine, Grapevine Animal Services Manager.
Grapevine Animal Services shelter hours will be Monday-Friday, 11am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm, and closed on Sundays.