{"id":12259,"date":"2026-01-08T08:40:57","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T14:40:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/waxahachie360.com\/waxahachie-news\/?p=12259"},"modified":"2026-01-09T06:57:41","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T12:57:41","slug":"ferris-partners-with-flying-b-animal-rescue-in-ambitious-animal-care-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/waxahachie360.com\/waxahachie-news\/2026\/01\/08\/ferris-partners-with-flying-b-animal-rescue-in-ambitious-animal-care-project\/","title":{"rendered":"Ferris partners with Flying B Animal Rescue in ambitious animal care project"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The City of Ferris is embarking on a bold new chapter in animal welfare, teaming up with Flying B Animal Rescue<\/a> to transform a cluster of former agricultural barns into a comprehensive hub for animal care. The project\u2014spanning five acres at the intersection of I-45 and Loop 9\u2014will feature a modern city animal shelter, a private veterinary clinic, and expanded rescue facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A New Model for Animal Services<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For years, Ferris has struggled with the growing problem of stray and abandoned dogs and cats in the area, echoing a wider crisis across Ellis County after the closure of the SPCA of Texas animal shelter in Waxahachie<\/a>. Now by a creative public-private partnership, the city\u2019s animal services are poised for a significant upgrade, and the Ennis-based non-profit Flying B Animal Rescue will be positioned to aid municipal shelters in Waxahachie, Red Oak and Midlothian.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Flying B Animal Rescue and Sanctuary is an Ennis-based non-profit organization that cares for abandoned cats and dogs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Todd McGehee, Ferris\u2019 Animal Services Manager since May 2025, says complex will feature an approximately 5,000 square foot facility designed to support both animal shelter operations and veterinary services. The building will include exam rooms, a surgery center, and a treatment center to support care for City of Ferris shelter intakes while expanding access to veterinary services for area residents through a privately operated clinic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Carolyn Taylor, founder of Flying B Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, emphasizes the partnership\u2019s unique structure: \u201cThis is a very tight partnership with the city. The two distinct areas are going to be the shelter and then the rescue operations,\u201d she explains. \u201cThe shelter will remain open intake for Ferris, and Flying B will continue to help the whole county as space allows.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facilities Designed for Growth<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The new animal welfare complex is being built on land acquired from Ferris I.S.D. and will include the new city shelter facility as well as improved and repurposed space to support quarantine and recovery functions, rescue operations, and adoption preparation. Initial city shelter capacity is planned to include 20 indoor outdoor dog runs, with additional spaces configured to support medical separation and safe handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The contracted, privately-operated veterinary clinic on site will provide basic veterinary care for shelter animals and offer services to the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a huge upgrade from what we have now,\u201d says Carolyn. \u201cThe private vet clinic on site [will provide] at-cost services for shelter animals and affordable care to the public. It\u2019s about making spay-neuter and other vet care accessible, which is so needed in the county.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flying B will convert one of the barns into a climate-controlled facility, offering more space for emergency cases and larger dogs \u2014 a pressing need in the region — and for animals rescued from neighboring municipal shelters as needed. Plans also include \u201cHomes of Hope\u201d cottages designed for nursing mothers and puppies to offer a quiet, stress-free environment apart from the noise and bustle of the main rescue operation.<\/p>\n\n\n