Orange County Selects Bacon Group, Inc. Official Designer for New Animal Services Facility

Orange County, Fla. – On Tuesday, March 22, 2022, the Board of County Commissioners selected Bacon Group, Inc. for design of the new Animal Services facility. Bacon Group, Inc.’s portfolio includes design for Miami-Dade Animal Services, Atlanta Humane Society, Jacksonville Humane Society and Chesapeake Animal Services.

“This is a big step forward for the project and we’re excited to move into the design phase and begin seeing concepts for what our new shelter will look like,” said Diane Summers, manager for Orange County Animal Services. “Our new shelter will reflect the Animal Services that we are today and who we aim to be in the future; this building will provide shelter for animals for potentially the next 50 years.”

The new shelter will be one of the largest in the state, at an estimated 50,000 – 70,000 square feet. The new facility will include 150 – 250 dog kennels and 175 – 225 cat kennels.

“At this point we’re in the research and planning phase and have visited shelters in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Jacksonville to tour newer facilities and layouts,” said Summers. “Animal intakes in shelters have been trending slightly downward over the past decade, but the length of stay has increased as shelters find new ways to hold and care for pets with medical and behavior challenges. In light of that we want to be cognizant to incorporate enrichment as much as possible.”

The current Animal Services facility was built in 1987 and is located near the Mall at Millenia. The new facility will be located on the same piece of property.

Additional information on the project can be found on the Animal Services website.