When you think of an animal shelter, you probably envision dogs and cats. But not in McKinney - the strays come in all shapes and sizes. But usually the more exotic animals get few takers.

Animal shelters across North Texas aren’t just shelters but barnyards, filled with everything from cows to goats, ducks and pigs. More exotic animals come through here. There are emus and a wallaby, a kangaroo-like animal.

Many of the animals escape from farms or yards. Sometimes the owner either doesn’t realize the animal is missing or doesn’t care.
Sometimes they end up on highways or in subdivisions. But once they’re caught, the real challenge is finding a home for them.

So many animals sit for weeks or months in shelters, upstaged by the more traditional pets.

Animal officers try to find owners but when they can’t, they are auctioned off, sold, or given to rescue groups.