The City of Canyon has approved a new fee schedule for its future animal control facility, marking another step forward in plans to improve local animal services following voter approval of a bond election that included funding for a new shelter.
During their regular meeting Tuesday, the Canyon City Commission approved a list of fees and charges that will support operations once the facility is completed and open to the public. Funding for the construction of the new animal shelter was included in the city’s 2025 bond election, which voters approved.
City officials say the new facility is needed to address growing demands and provide better accommodations for animals in the community.
“Now with the opportunity of the voter-approved bond, we felt like it was a good time to get a real building that has more improvements and better facilities for the animals that we deal with,” said Chief Steve Brush of the Canyon Police Department.
The approved fee schedule includes charges related to the registration of animals deemed dangerous by a court, as well as fees associated with bite animals. Officials noted that the bite animal fee will be assessed by the City of Amarillo but is included in Canyon’s schedule to keep residents informed about potential costs.
Additional fees cover services such as animal impoundment, veterinary care and pet adoptions. City leaders say the charges are intended to help support the daily operation and maintenance of the facility once it begins serving residents.
Mayor Gary Hinders said the city’s current animal shelter resources have not kept pace with Canyon’s growth over the decades.
“We haven’t had in 50 years as we doubled in size, we had to expand for a fire department and police department. But then really we don’t have anything that’s adequate on the animal shelter part and really just humane treatment and probably as standards have changed through the years and all too. We’ve had a lot of public support for this animal shelter,” Hinders said.
He added that the fees will help the city manage ongoing operational expenses.
“Fees to adopt fees for if your pets out running loose, but basically being able to operate that and take care of the daily operation,” said Hinders.
The approved fees will not take effect immediately. City officials said they will only be implemented after the new animal control facility is constructed and a point-of-sale system is established to collect payments.
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