(DALLAS, TX; WAXAHACHIE, TX); January 14, 2025 – The SPCA of Texas today announced the upcoming transition of its operations in Ellis County, including the conclusion of its Animal Shelter and Maintenance Services Contract, effective April 15, 2025. This decision follows extensive evaluation and discussions with Ellis County leadership to better align with the organization’s mission and to advance animal welfare across North Texas. The SPCA of Texas’ work in Ellis County will continue after the contract ends.

As part of this transition, after the conclusion of its Animal Shelter and Maintenance Services Contract, the SPCA of Texas will continue to invest in the Ellis County community by organizing mobile adoption events to help pets find loving homes, hosting low-cost or free vaccine clinics to promote pet health, assisting with animal cruelty investigations in collaboration with local officials and transferring animals to its Dallas facilities as space and staffing allow.

“We remain focused on protecting and advocating for animals and the communities that care for them,” said Chris Luna, President & CEO of the SPCA of Texas. “While this transition changes how we operate in Ellis County, we are dedicated to ensuring important services for pets and their owners continue.”

To further support local animal welfare efforts, the SPCA of Texas will make available its current Ellis County animal care facility through a low-cost, long-term lease option and will serve as a resource for plans to establish a regional animal shelter.

This transition underscores the SPCA of Texas’ commitment across North Texas to providing impactful, mission-driven services and advocating for the well-being of animals and their communities.

For updates, information on adoption and vaccine events, or ways to support animals in Ellis County, visit spca.org. A media Q&A sheet is available for viewing here.

About SPCA of Texas

Founded in 1938, the SPCA of Texas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization that operates two shelters, one spay/neuter clinic, one mobile adoptions vehicle and an animal rescue center, all located in Dallas and Ellis Counties, and maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators who rescue hundreds of animals from cruelty each year in North Texas counties. Moreover, the SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for an array of services that bring people and animals together to enrich each other’s lives.

The SPCA of Texas is not affiliated with any other entity and does not receive general operating funds from the City of Dallas, State of Texas, federal government or any other national humane organization. SPCA of Texas is dedicated to providing every animal exceptional care and a loving home. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, visit spca.org.

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