Sept. 30, 2011

By Rita Cook    

While there are many places in the Dallas/Fort Worth area that have greened up there interiors and exteriors for a healthier environment, oftentimes pets are overlooked in those sustainable efforts.  Not at two local animal shelters though, both Cedar Hill and Plano’s animal shelters are all about a healthy environment and employees are making sure that animals have clean air and the best surroundings for healthy living. 

The Tri-City Animal Shelter in Cedar Hill has been making strides for a few years now when it comes to keeping their animals eco-friendly. Moving into a new building last year, there are over 150 dedicated dog and cat spaces. That’s just half the story though since in those spaces animals waiting for adoption have natural light, field turf in several of the outdoor runs composed of recycled material and unlike grass requires no irrigation.  There are also fewer chemicals being used in the shelter and sun shades on the back of the patio for the animals.

“We are using daylight sensors on the kennel lights and timed-motion sensors on the remainder of the lights in the shelter” says Alissa Prelis, Tri-City Animal Shelter Manager.  “We routinely recycle paper and plastics too and the ceiling tiles, plastic laminate millwork and the wall base are all recycled materials.”  Prelis says the natural light has a positive impact on both the customers and the animals and even better, it makes the shelter inviting while lowering the stress level of the animals housed inside.

Plano

In Plano, that city’s animal shelter has actually been LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) since last year.  The building is 15,000 square foot building with 95 dog runs and 120 small animal cages.“We care for an average of 200 animals each day and there are 25 employees who work out of the shelter,” says Jamie Cantrell, Animal Services Manager.  Air quality is also important and must be kept at levels that are healthy to people and the animals.

Over the years the shelter, even before being LEED certified, took strides to create a sustainable environment with a number of energy efficient changes such as lighting systems, water conservation techniques and the use of green materials.  Employees there also take part in green programs that are unique to the shelter like collecting organic wastes and turning it into compost as well as recycling all cardboard, plastic and other recyclable material.

For more information about these shelters visit Plano’s animal shelter website at www.planoanimalshelter.org or the Cedar Hill’s Tri-City Animal Shelter at www.petfinder.com/shelters/TX401.html.

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