Animal shelter adding fun for pets

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) – The Williamson County Regional Anmaking plans to give dogs some room to roam while awaiting adoption. 

The shelter is raising funds to construct a dog run, trail and memorial park behind the shelter. Plans include two large play yards, a memorial garden and a walking path so volunteers and potential adopters can take dogs outside, walk and play with them in the yard. 

The Williamson County Commissioners Court allocated property for the project Wednesday during its regular meeting. 

The idea for a dog exercise area has been under development for the past two years, according to WCRAS.  Through fundraisers such as the Fur Ball and memorial donations, more than $19,000 has been raised toward the total projected cost of $100,000. 

Items such as bricks or benches will be available for sale to raise money for the project. Once the preliminary draft is completed, shelter director Cheryl Schneider anticipates volunteers will help with construction. Two Scout troops already have volunteered their services. 

“We don’t put a time limit on how long our animals can stay at the shelter.  We want them all to stay until they are adopted, and we are fairly successful moving toward that goal with a 95 percent save rate,” said Schneider in a released statement. “But to keep dogs mentally healthy, they need a place to run and play. The dog run, trail and park will be just for our shelter dogs so that they have that space to run when staff or volunteers take them out. It also will be a great place for families to get to meet a dog they are interested in adopting.”

Schneider hopes to break ground on the project in March. The project will be financed entirely through donations. Donations can be made online at www.wilcopets.org . 

The shelter is a joint project between Williamson County and the cities of Cedar Park, Hutto, Leander and Round Rock.  Regular shelter hours are Tuesday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The shelter is located at 1855 S.E. Inner Loop in Georgetown. To reach the shelter from Interstate Highway 35, take Exit 259 and go east two miles. The shelter is located on the north side of the road just east of FM 1460.

For shelter information, call 512-943-3322.