The details
Frisco City Council voted 4-3 on a letter of intent with a local animal professional, who would run the facility, at its meeting Nov. 4. The council also held a meeting Nov. 3 when city staff answered questions and residents were able to provide feedback on the proposed facility and agreement.
Council members Angelia Pelham, John Keating and Laura Rummel voted in favor of the agreement, while council members Brian Livingston, Burt Thakur and Jaren Elad were opposed to the proposal during the Nov. 4 meeting. Mayor Jeff Cheney voted in favor of the agreement to break the tie vote among council members.
Livingston said he didn’t think the proposal was financially responsible for the city. Others in opposition said they wanted to delay the vote on the agreement until city officials get more information or conduct a study on the animal needs of the city.
Pelham also said while she supports the agreement, she too would like to have more data on the demand for such a facility.
The specifics
The proposed partner who could run the facility is Nichole Kohanski, founder of Wiggle Butt Academy and Canine Lighthouse.
Wiggle Butt Academy offers training and behavioral modification services for dogs. Canine Lighthouse is a rescue and adoption organization.
The facility could be a little more than 4 acres on a plot of land owned by the city’s Community Development Corporation near PGA Parkway. It could have play areas, training rooms, spaces for exotic animals and offices for staff.
At the facility, animals could be held for a minimum of five days before being transferred to the Collin County shelter.
What they’re saying
Pelham said the proposed facility may not be everything the city needs. However, it does provide some solutions to issues local animal advocates have shared with council over the years, such as having a place in the city where residents can pick up lost pets, Pelham said.
“I think what we’ve offered is a data-driven solution,” she said.
Cheney said city staff have done a good job handling Frisco’s animal needs. They do such a good job, he said, Frisco doesn’t need the proposed facility. But it could potentially provide an “incredible public benefit.”
“This can have real great public value,” Cheney said.
What’s next?
City officials will work with Kohanski to finalize the details of the agreement in the coming months. The facility could be designed by September 2026. If given final approval, the facility could be built by January 2028.
