Frisco City Council moved forward on its animal‑care initiative during the Nov. 3 regular meeting, approving a $1.69 million professional‑services agreement with architecture firm PGAL to design a new municipal animal shelter. The facility will sit on a 34‑acre parcel at the southwest corner of PGA Parkway and Gateway Drive.
Project scope and features
The proposed shelter will cover 18,101 square feet and include 61 dog kennels, 30 cat kennels, a medical isolation zone, a 1,200‑square‑foot dog pavilion, exterior exercise yards, adoption areas and a dedicated veterinary clinical space. City documents describe the design as the most flexible and cost‑efficient option among three alternatives considered in an Oct. 6 work session.
Design timeline and budget
PGAL will lead the overall design effort, with specialized firm Animal Arts acting as a sub‑consultant to develop program details and the animal‑interaction spaces. The design phase is slated to last eight months, after which a construction‑manager contract is expected to be awarded in January 2027.
The city is planning an approximate $20 million construction budget, plus an 8 percent design contingency to address any changes or additional services that may arise. The final site plan is scheduled for Council review by March 2027, and the shelter’s completion is projected for October 2028.
Why Frisco needs its own shelter
Currently, Frisco relies on the Collin County Animal Shelter, which handles roughly 5,800 dogs and cats each year. The city renewed a one‑year contract with the county shelter in September, but that agreement ends in November 2028. County officials have indicated they do not intend to extend the service agreement, reinforcing the need for a dedicated Frisco facility.
Funding for the shelter has been incorporated into the FY27 Frisco Community Development Corporation budget, reflecting the city’s commitment to animal welfare and community safety.
Next steps
City staff and PGAL will continue refining the design while coordinating with Animal Arts on program specifics. Once the design is finalized, the construction‑manager selection in early 2027 will set the stage for groundbreaking later that year.
Frisco residents can expect updates at future council meetings as the project progresses toward its 2028 opening target.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Frisco — read the source article.
