Arlington Animal Services Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary
By Carol Weemes
Posted on January 17, 2019, January 17, 2019

Animal Services Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary

The Arlington Animal Services Center is celebrating 10 years of providing care, services and educational programs that aim to protect the health, safety, and welfare of both animals and the community.

The Arlington City Council issued a proclamation Saturday, Jan. 12 in recognition of the growth and achievements of the Arlington Animal Services Center, its hard-working staff and dedicated volunteers. More than 58,000 animals have been adopted or transferred to one of the many adoption placement partners since the state-of-the-art facility opened in January 2009. The center, located at 1000 SE Green Oaks Blvd., was made possible through funding approved by Arlington voters in 2003 bond election as well as individual and private contributions totaling more than $300,000.

"Because of the outstanding leadership and management, the awesome staff, and the fantastic volunteers the shelter has been able to save and help many animals," said Judith Flynn, Animal Services Center Advisory Board chair. "The shelter works with many quality organizations with healthy, caring results. I am proud to be a part of this amazing, caring service."

Saturday's anniversary celebration included a presentation by Manager Chris Huff, who provided volunteers and visitors with an overview of the shelter's accomplishments, community opportunities, and the City's deep appreciation for all the volunteers and partnerships instrumental to the shelter's success. Arlington Animal Services has been able to reach some of its milestones, such as the 78.76 percent live release rate in 2018, thanks to the assistance of more than 500 Service Enterprise Certified Volunteers and strong partnerships with rescue organizations.

"I thought I knew a lot about the shelter, but I learned so much," said Marlaine Pray, Golden PAWS volunteer coordinator. Pray said she was especially interested in the information presented about the Animal Essay Contest and the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program.

A generous outpouring of support from the local community and collaborative national partnerships in the form of grant awards and donations (physical and monetary) totaling more than $1 million over the past decade have helped maintain the center's state-of-the-art quality for its animals, visitors and the community. Partnerships with community education, engagement, and awareness in support of responsible pet ownership is key as we work together to make The American Dream City a stronger, healthier, and great place for its residents and animals to call home.

Data in Action Graphic on Animal Services

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