The city of Frisco is moving forward with discussion on updated plans for a new animal shelter.
During a Sept. 1 workshop, the Frisco City Council discussed refinements to the proposed animal shelter, updates to its design, funding and new annual operating costs. City officials said the shelter’s construction could cost approximately $23 million and employ 10-12 people.
What’s happening?
Through a public-private partnership with multiple private partners, the city of Frisco is seeking to build a new animal facility. First discussed in October 2025, the proposed facility would act as a holding place for animals before they are taken to the Collin County animal shelter.
Frisco officials have already had multiple work sessions deliberating the proposed animal shelter, which will continue as city officials work to finalize updated plans.
What to know
At the meeting, City Council reviewed modifications to the proposed shelter, which would offer rescue, neutering and spaying and microchipping services. Also available is a veterinarian surgical practice serving Frisco animal owners, strays and rescue organizations. City documents state the proposed changes to the shelter simplify the operating model and support longer-term sustainability.
The proposed modifications would bring the animal shelter’s net annual operating cost to $85,000, with $559,000 in total annual revenue and $1,294,000 in annual expenses, according to city documents. The shelter's facility manager will operate as a nonprofit.
The building’s design plans were also updated to accommodate a separate lobby and intake area for each shelter program, provide more workspace, add a restroom for animal services personnel and create a better distinction between programs.
The updated plan shifts revenue-generating services from general pet care to rescue dog boarding and training and veterinary surgical services for stray animals, rescue organizations and pet owners. Updates would ultimately provide the city shelter with 61 dog kennels and 34 cat kennels, with the ability to flex to 45-50 with kittens.
What they’re saying
“(The proposed animal shelter) provides additional flexibility if Frisco's demand changes,” Director of Special Projects Ken Schmidt said. “This is a much easier model to work with if our current housing demands change in the future and they grow and need more space than what we originally envisioned.”
“This gives Frisco an opportunity not only to lead the way in animal services, but also the way we should be approaching animal shelters and facilities,” Frisco City Council member Burt Thakur said.
Frisco Mayor Mark Hill said the proposed animal shelter updates are a step in the right direction and puts Frisco in “a unique position,” as few other Collin County cities have their own animal shelter.
“I think this has been refined very well and I think the core purpose has been achieved better than what was presented before,” Hill said.
One more thing
Currently, animals picked up by Frisco Animal Services are transported to the Collin County Animal Shelter in McKinney. Frisco's contract with the Collin County animal shelter ends in November 2028, and the Collin County Commissioners Court recently discussed its intent not to renew a shelter service agreement with Frisco.
City documents state Frisco makes up 11% of the animals at the Collin County Shelter, or eight dog kennels. The new shelter’s construction will not be covered by state funding. City Council also proposed offering Frisco residents lower rates for animal services.
The Frisco City Council will continue deliberations on its proposed animal shelter at a future meeting.
