Port Arthur Celebrates Grand Opening of New Animal Services Center

The new facility represents a vision first set into motion in 2019 and a promise to care for the city's animals with dignity.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A high-contrast, brightly colored silkscreen print of a dog toy or pet accessory repeated in a grid pattern, conceptually representing the vibrant energy and community focus of the new animal services center.The grand opening of Port Arthur's new animal services center celebrates the city's commitment to compassionate pet care and community engagement.Port Arthur Today

With prayers, applause, and the eager eyes of puppies looking for forever homes, the City of Port Arthur officially opened the doors to its brand-new Animal Services Center in a ceremony attended by city officials, community leaders, and animal lovers from across the region. The milestone event marked the culmination of years of planning, collaboration, and determination to replace the aging and outdated previous facility.

Why it matters

The new animal services center represents the city's commitment to providing a modern, professional, and humane facility to care for stray and abandoned animals in the community. It will allow the staff to operate more effectively and provide a cleaner, safer environment for the animals.

The details

The new $5 million facility replaces an aging building that had long exceeded its useful lifespan. Former Animal Services Director Lawrence Baker said the old building was outdated and staff had worked tirelessly for years to keep it up to code. The new center will allow the department to expand programs like pet retention, adoption education, children's engagement, and volunteer opportunities.

  • The vision for the new animal services center was first set into motion in 2019.
  • The groundbreaking ceremony took place in 2020.
  • The new center officially opened its doors on April 17, 2026.

The players

Mayor Charlotte Moses

The mayor of Port Arthur, who spoke at the opening ceremony about the center representing the city's compassion, responsibility, and commitment to caring for all lives in the community.

Ronald Burton

The Port Arthur city manager, who was credited for making the new animal services center a priority capital investment project.

Pamela Langford

The assistant city manager of operations and department head for development services, who thanked the project partners that brought the new center to life.

Darlene Thomas-Pierre

The current animal services director, who expressed excitement about the new center and outlined plans for expanded programs and community engagement.

Lawrence Baker

The former animal services director, who spoke about the urgency of upgrading the outdated previous facility.

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What they’re saying

“This building represents compassion, responsibility, and our commitment to doing better for every life in our community, including those who cannot speak for themselves.”

— Mayor Charlotte Moses

“The old building was outdated, and it served its time and usefulness. This puts us on the map in the Golden Triangle. This new shelter will allow animal services staff to operate in a more professional manner and provide a cleaner and safer environment to house animals in.”

— Lawrence Baker, Former Animal Services Director

“When we broke ground, I said Port Arthur is building something good, but today you can see that Port Arthur built something great.”

— Darlene Thomas-Pierre, Animal Services Director

What’s next

The Port Arthur Animal Services Center is now open to the public, and residents interested in adoption, volunteering, or fostering are encouraged to visit.

The takeaway

The new animal services center represents Port Arthur's commitment to providing modern, humane, and professional care for stray and abandoned animals in the community. It will allow the department to expand important programs and engage the public in supporting the city's animal welfare efforts.