The Mesquite Animal Shelter has been recognized by national animal welfare organization Best Friends Animal Society for saving the lives of more than 90 percent of the dogs and cats in their care in calendar year 2023.
By achieving a 92 percent save rate in 2023, the Mesquite Animal Shelter is making strides towards one of its strategic plan goals of maintaining a 95 percent or greater annual save rate.
A 90-percent save rate is the nationally recognized benchmark for animal shelters, acknowledging that approximately 10 percent of pets who enter shelters have medical or behavioral circumstances that warrant humane euthanasia.
“This is a big accomplishment, and we’re proud to be recognized by Best Friends Animal Society,” said Hugo Espinoza, Manager of Animal Services for the City of Mesquite. “To save and care for so many animals, it takes strong community support. We are grateful to not only our dedicated staff members but also to our rescue group partners, to those who donate to the Shelter and to our volunteers.”
Best Friends Animal Society commended the Mesquite Animal Shelter, encouraging other shelters to follow its example.
“This award represents extraordinary leadership, both at the Mesquite Animal Shelter and within the broader animal welfare movement,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “I want to acknowledge and thank the organizations around the country who work tirelessly to save lives, helping move us closer to ending the killing of cats and dogs in shelters in 2025.”
Also as part of its strategic plan, the Mesquite Animal Shelter is currently in the midst of a $4 million expansion project that will add more than 2,800 square feet to the Shelter. Construction began last December and is expected to be completed in the late summer of 2024.
The expansion will add one third more dog and cat adoption kennels and includes a new clinic space for veterinary services, five new outdoor play yards for large and small pets, and updates to the Shelter’s lobby to create a more inviting atmosphere to further enhance adoption efforts.
For the month of July, the Animal Shelter is currently offering $25 adoption fees for dogs, cats and kittens. Puppies under six months old are available for $100.
To see the pets currently available for adoption, please visit www.cityofmesquite.com/AnimalsInTheShelter. Not able to adopt? Visit www.cityofmesquite.com/AnimalServices to find out how you can volunteer at the shelter and make financial contributions or donations of items.
The Mesquite Animal Shelter is located at 1650 Gross Road in Mesquite. Regular operating hours are 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The shelter is open from 1-5:30 p.m. on Saturday and is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.