The overview
The fundraising effort, spearheaded by nonprofit Sugar Land Legacy Foundation, is needed to raise additional funds to supplement $6.6 million previously approved for the new shelter by Sugar Land voters in a 2019 bond referendum, according to the news release.
Sugar Land Communications Director Doug Adolph said the project will help address overcrowding at the city’s current shelter, noting the new shelter is projected to address growth though 2030.
Adolph said the additional funds would cover the cost of additional amenities identified by city officials to help the new shelter maintain a high level of service and support pet adoption.
Adolph said the project is expected to be constructed on city-owned property near the Sugar Land Police Department, though he noted other locations are being considered.
A closer look
The fundraising effort is coming on the heels of a September announcement by the city saying the shelter could temporarily stop taking in new animals due to continued problems with overcrowding.
Officials said the current shelter is designed to accommodate 31 dogs and 52 cats. As of Nov. 30, the shelter is housing 31 dogs and 59 cats.
Adolph said the shelter is only accepting intakes from the field for juvenile and injured dogs due to crowding. He noted the shelter has been unable to accept walk-in intakes for most of this year.
As currently designed, Adolph said the new shelter would be able to house a total of 70 dogs and 132 cats, but he said the proposed additions would help to improve conditions for animals and staff. Among the enhancements include:
- a multipurpose room and related spaces,
- a covered entryway,
- a larger medical treatment space,
- shade canopies for outside runs, and
- locker rooms.
What’s next
Adolph said the city does not have an anticipated timeline for securing the funds, but the money would ideally be raised prior to 2025, when construction is projected to begin.
To help address the shelter’s current needs, Adolph said the city has been partnering with local and national entities to help ease overcrowding.
“Shelter staff has actively worked with nonprofit pet agencies, volunteer organizations and other shelters in the region, state and country, but the continuous growth of pets dropped off at the shelter, released throughout the city, or running wild creates continued challenges,” Adolph said, noting efforts have included regional adoption events with public and private partners as well as financial incentives, such as waived adoption fees.
Adolph said the city is pursuing additional options to help address overcrowding until the new shelter is completed.
