The Humane Society of Williamson County, based in Leander, announced Jan. 15 its decision to merge with a no-kill, Killeen-based animal shelter and form Texas Humane Heroes.

HSWC and CenTex Humane Society will continue the no-kill mission in Central Texas, Executive Director Ron Marullo said in a statement.

"Texas Humane Heroes is headquartered in Leander and has adoption centers at both the Leander and Killeen locations," he said. "We are counting on both communities to continue to support and volunteer in our community commitment to save animals in danger of being killed for space at municipal shelters throughout Central Texas."

Discussions about joining shelters began last summer. Both organizations signed an agreement Jan. 11 following approval from both boards of directors.

Marullo said Texas Humane Heroes has an obligation to the community to operate efficiently and save as many dogs and cats as possible.

"Over the next several weeks, we will be consolidating business operations and conducting staff training and best-practice sharing," he said. "Once we complete the implementation and integration plans and finalize all legal filings, we will be ready on a path of growth and expansion to save more homeless animals than ever before between the two former organizations."

Texas Humane Heroes is headquartered at 10930 E. Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander, with a second adoption center located at 5501 Clear Creek Road, Killeen. Both locations are open Tue.–Fri. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday noon–5 p.m.

Texas Humane Heroes is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization funded by donations, grants and fees for services.