The City of Arlington Department of Neighborhood Services will officially cut the ribbon on its new $24,000 Mobile Pet Adoption and Response Unit. An Open House will occur at 4 p.m. followed by a ribbon cutting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 at City Hall. The unit has been custom built for the city and fully funded with private donations.

"Our new mobile unit is an outstanding example of city government and the private sector in partnership," said Assistant Director of Neighborhood Services Lee Hitchcock. "We are thrilled by the interest of the public in this project."

The Mobile Adoption Unit will be utilized at shopping malls and during special events to promote pet adoption and responsible pet ownership. Hitchcock said the mobile unit is one of only two in north Texas. The unit has a storage capacity for 12 animals.

At the ribbon cutting ceremony on March 25, the new unit will be set up in the parking lot adjacent to City Hall until 6:30 p.m.

Mayor Elzie Odom and Arlington City Council members are expected to participate. A variety of cats and dogs from the Animal Services Center will be available for adoption.

In Arlington, more than 3,000 animals are adopted each year. That number is double the national average, Hitchcock said, but the department wants to see an increase. In Arlington, approximately 100 animals are available daily for adoption. The adoption fee is $60, which includes coupons for spaying or neutering, vaccinations, license and a microchip for pet identification.