The shelter was founded in 1976, as an alternative to shelters that euthanized or destroyed unwanted and stray animals after a period of time if homes could not be found for them. Its first twelve years were spent in a small building in Garland, Texas. In 1998, the building was no longer available, and a larger shelter reopened in Carrollton, Texas. An even larger shelter, measuring 10,000 square feet or 929 square meters, was completed in 1999. In 2005, a new Spay/Neuter Surgery and Treatment Center began operation. During 2018, they managed the successful adoptions of 4,825 dogs and cats. They also provided care for a total of 5,043 animals, serving more than 324,000+ meals to animals in need. In 2018, construction began on a $12 million dollar capital campaign to build a new state-of-the-art animal hospital and renovate the existing animal shelter. The animal hospital is anticipated to be complete by September 2019, with the remaining renovations completed by summer 2020. Once finished, overall animal capacity will be increased by 35%.
Programs
Adoptions
Almost 5,000 dogs and cats are adopted from Operation Kindness each year. Operation Kindness cares for nearly 1,500 animals each year in the homes of its foster volunteers. Adoption is promoted by campaigns such as a Black Friday special for animals with black coloured fur. In 2014, the organization held its fifth annual reunion picnic for dogs and cats adopted from the shelter, with about 200 people participating.
In August 2017, the organization launched the Operation Kindness Pet Food Pantry, taking over for the North Texas Pet Food Pantry to fulfill the growing needs of the community. The pantry is designed to lower the number of pets surrendered to shelters by providing temporary free cat and dog food to qualified low-income families. The pantry also provides free cat litter and flea and tick prevention for up to three months to owners with a financial need.
Special Needs Animals
Operation Kindness has programs to help find adoptive homes for special needs animals. The Medical Fund enables the organization to provide lifesaving medical care, including surgeries, heartworm treatment, post-operative care, physical therapy and more so that sick and injured homeless animals can heal. The Max Fund was established to provide the special training dogs with behavior issues need to get adopted faster, reduce returns, and ensure happy adoptions.
Humane Education
Operation Kindness has a humane education program to teach children to become the next generation of responsible pet owners, delivering programs at area schools, community recreation centers and at its shelter.
News
During 2015, Operation Kindness made national headlines when it paired abandoned 5-week-old Chihuahua "Chip" with 4-week-old kitten "Adele" who became instant best friends and were later adopted together. In November 2017, Operation Kindness Operation Kindness hosted its 25th annual Canines, Cats & Cabernet event to raise funds and awareness for homeless animals. Texas Rangers Manager Jeff Banister and his wife Karen served as honorary co-chairs of the event. In December 2017, Operation Kindness was awarded with a $100,000 donation from Reliant Gives, the charitable arm of Reliant Energy.
Awards
The Dallas Observer noted that Operation Kindness received the following awards:
Operation Kindness has earned a 4 Star Rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum rating from Guidestar. Financial information is posted for the public on the Operation Kindness website.
