Animal Services Hold Groundbreaking Event for Shelter Expansion

The City of Denton celebrated the start of the Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center expansion during an official groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Key elements of the expanded shelter, located at 3717 N. Elm St., include:

A larger, more modern shelter: The project adds a new wing and renovates the existing building to create a more efficient and streamlined environment.
More space: Expanded adoption and stray-hold areas, complete with new indoor/outdoor runs and play yards, will improve comfort, enrichment, and visibility for animals awaiting their homes.
Improved health, safety, and disease prevention: Upgraded isolation and quarantine areas will better protect animals by helping prevent the spread of illness and supporting healthier outcomes throughout the shelter.
An expanded clinic: A larger surgery suite and expanded recovery spaces will enable staff to deliver a higher volume of quality veterinary care to animals in need.
The Denton City Council approved the $17.5 million contract for the expansion and renovation of the Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center on May 19, 2026. Funded through the 2023 voter‑approved bond package, this project fulfills the community’s commitment to enhancing the animal shelter by expanding its capacity to provide high‑quality care and adoption services.

“Denton Animal Services plays an integral role within our community. Their teams respond to emergencies, reunite families with their pets, and provide safe, compassionate care for lost and unhoused animals,” says Interim City Manager Cassey Ogden. “This project is possible because of the voter-supported 2023 bond program and the belief that caring for our community also means caring for the animals that depend on us.”

Construction began in June 2026, and will occur in three phases:

Phase One: June 2026 - May 2027

Work begins with the buildout of the new addition to the existing animal shelter
Service impacts are not anticipated during this phase of the project
Phases two and three are anticipated to begin in June of 2027 and will occur simultaneously
Phases Two and Three: June 2027

Renovation of existing building, including dog isolation and quarantine spaces
Renovation of staff office spaces
Renovation of the veterinary clinic
Service impacts are anticipated during these phases of the project
Additional details will be shared as the work approaches.