MESQUITE, Texas — The Mesquite Animal Shelter was honored by the animal adoption nonprofit Best Friends Animal Society for achieving a saving rate above the national benchmark.
The shelter saved roughly 92% of the dogs and cats that entered its care in 2023. This rises above the nationally recognized benchmark save rate of 90% which partly measures the success rate of animal shelters. The benchmark acknowledges the 10% of pets whose medical or behavioral circumstances warrant humane euthanasia.
Even with the honor, the Mesquite Animal Shelter is still working toward its goal of a 95% or higher annual save rate.
“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 not only to 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 was founded in 1984 by a group of friends in Utah. Since its beginning, the organization continued to work toward a complete no-kill rate in shelters across the country.
One of its initiatives includes the Best Friends Network which includes thousands of rescue groups, animal welfare groups, and private and public animal shelters like the City of Mesquite's working to save animals.
“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.”
The Mesquite Animal Shelter is also working on a $4 million expansion project to add more than 2,800 square feet to the shelter. The extra space will accommodate one-third more dog and cat adoption kennels, a new clinic space for veterinary services, five new outdoor play yards for pets and updates to the shelter lobby.
Construction is expected to finish later this summer.
During July, the shelter is offering $25 adoption fees for dogs, cats and kittens. Adoption fees for puppies under six months old are $100.
For more information about the shelter, including adoptable pets, click here.
