Texas PetSmart Store Gives Home To City Animal Shelter
On May 1st, the Hulen PetSmart® store in Forth Worth will open the doors to a brand new 1,830 square foot center at the rear of the store which it is hoped will save as many as 1,300 dogs and cats every year. The center has been funded completely by PetSmart Charities and the city will not be charged any rent. However, the city will cover operational costs and will staff the center. The center will free up kennel space at the main municipal location, and it is hoped will bring adoptable pets to the heart of the community.
"The City of Fort Worth is very fortunate to have PetSmart Charities and PetSmart, Inc. as partners in the new adoption center," said Brandon Bennett, Fort Worth Code Compliance director. "This partnership will enable the city to better fulfill its mission to find warm homes and loving families for adoptable dogs and cats from our shelter."
As many as 50 adoptable dogs and cats will be housed at any one time, and these animals will live there permanently until they are re-homed, rather than being transported between the center and Fort Worth’s main shelter location. The new facility will be open 7 days a week, and can accommodate 10 adult dogs, 24 cats and multiple puppies or small dogs, and there is a play-area for dogs awaiting adoption. Organizers hope that as many as 25 pets per week will be adopted from the new center.
"We are very proud to be part of this collaborative effort and we applaud the Fort Worth city leaders and the dedicated city staff for their unwavering commitment to this endeavor," said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of nonprofit PetSmart Charities, Inc. "At PetSmart Charities, our goal is to save the lives of pets who don’t have homes. This type of collaboration – one that promotes pet adoptions and reduces euthanasia – is key to meeting that goal."
The grand opening celebration for the new shelter begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 1st, 2010, at the Hulen PetSmart® store, 4800 Loop 820, in Fort Worth. The event is free and everyone is welcome.
