The always-busy main public animal shelter in El Paso is expected to see the construction of a new clinic and expansion of its kennel space next year.
The project will also include the building of a modern HVAC system.
Located at 5001 Fred Wilson Avenue on the northeast side of the city, the El Paso Animal Services has long been overwhelmed trying to shelter upwards of more than 3,000 animals in any given month.
According to sources, the shelter, built to handle up to 450 animals, has by day seen its population nearing the 1,000 mark.
The demand has led to cramped facilities, with sometimes two or three dogs sharing a single kennel more appropriate for one, and a concerted effort on the part of the agency to place mostly kittens and puppies in foster homes.
A design phase for the expansion project, which will lead to the building of 400 new kennels, is expected to begin in early 2023. The new clinic space is designed to isolate animals suffering from parvo or a respiratory disease.
Around $9 million was originally approved by members of the El Paso City Council in 2019 for the project, but work was delayed due to the Covid 19 outbreak.
Work building the new clinic and kennel space is expected to take around 12 months.
By Garry Boulard
