Half-price adoptions of dogs and cats and $15 micro-chipping continues at the San Marcos Animal Shelter through Saturday.

Public tours will be held and a ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday.

The Animal Shelter, located at 750 River Road in San Marcos, was expanded by 7,000 square feet through a partnership of the two cities and the county.

"We are so pleased to have a shelter that serves San Marcos, Kyle and Hays County," Mayor Susan Narvaiz said. "Our partnership and the generous donations of private contributors will focus public attention on the needs of abandoned and neglected animals in our area and help improve their lives."

The expansion has created capacity for 93 dog kennels, 90 cat pens, a receiving/ reclaiming and adoption office, expanded food storage and support areas, and a new exercise court. The facility was designed by Connolly Architects & Consultants and built by Journeyman Construction.

The expansion cost $2.9 million, paid for by the city of San Marcos, Hays County and city of Kyle. They also support the operational costs of the Animal Shelter.

Residents who want to adopt a dog or cat may do so at a half-price of $45 during the week. The fee includes rabies shot, micro-chipping, spay-neutering and a basic health exam by a veterinarian.

Residents may also have their current pets micro-chipped for $15 during the week. A microchip, inserted painlessly under the skin, offers a permanent way to identify a pet and can help reunite a lost animal with its owners.

The current facility opened in 2002 through the generous contribution of the Emmett and Miriam McCoy Foundation. They will be recognized at Friday's ceremony for their continuing support with a burr oak tree planted at the shelter.

The San Marcos Animal Shelter operates as a division of Environmental Health under the direction of Mark Brinkley. Animal Services staff include; Bert Stratemann, Animal Services manager; Kara Montiel, Shelter supervisor; Mary Martinez, clerk; Amanda Carberry, Sharon Aurora, Karen Rivard, Roslyn Reavis, Annde Loyd and Marc Beck, Shelter techs; and Jerry Flores, Robert Cavazos and Spencer Targac, Animal Control officers.

Shelter adoption hours: • Monday: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

• Tuesday: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Thursday: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

• Saturday: 11:30 - 4:30 p.m.

• Sunday: Closed

For more information about the Animal Shelter or to find out about adoptions, call 393-8340.