The new facility opened years after county voters approved a $24 million bond proposition in 2015. It provides increased capacity and expanded services for pets and their owners, according to a press release.
The 50,000-square-foot facility can house 300 dogs and 225 cats. Officials said the previous facility had the capacity for 12,000 animals annually but was averaging an intake of 24,000.
“The new Harris County Pets Resource Center will help our Veterinary Public Health Division deliver enhanced programs that will save many more pets and will allow us expand our services to both residents and to furry family members alike,” Veterinary Public Health Director Michael White said in a statement.
Harris County Animal Shelter was built in 1986 and was recently demolished on the same property at 612 Canino Road, Houston. The new facility features several new services that were not previously available, including indoor and outdoor kennel runs for dogs, a pet grooming room, cat condos with separate sleeping and litter box sections, and separate entrances for adoption, admission and wellness services.
Officials said construction of a four-section dog park and pavilion is underway and slated for completion by the end of 2020.
Learn more about Harris County Pets at www.countypets.com.
