Orange County Board of County Commissioners Approve Construction for New Animal Shelter

The project is expected to be complete in the Summer of 2027

Orange County, FL – The Orange County Board of County Commissioners today moved forward with construction of a new Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) shelter, awarding the contract to The Collage Companies for $49 million.

At an estimated 123,419 square feet, the new shelter is projected to be the state’s largest, with housing for some 265 dogs and 200 cats. The new shelter will be two floors, with dogs housed on the first floor and cats on the second floor, with the entire building air-conditioned.

“This new building will be a symbol of the values we hold as a community,” said Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “We’re investing in a future where animals, staff, and residents will thrive, and I believe we should be proud of this step forward.”

The design contract for this project was awarded to Bacon Group, Inc., Architecture in March 2022. In the planning and design phases of this project, OCAS staff worked closely with the architect’s team, which included a wide variety of subject matter experts and consultants, and toured shelters throughout the state to discuss ideal layouts to optimize programs. The design aims to mitigate the spread of disease and incorporates elements from the Fear Free Shelters concept.

“This is a landmark day for this project, which our staff has been working on for years,” said Diane Summers, manager for Orange County Animal Services. “We’re most proud of the improved experience for our shelter pets, with air-conditioning, more space, and a healthier and more comfortable environment. If the pets are happy, our staff, visitors, and community will be happy, too, knowing we’re providing the best possible care.”

The new building will be located on the plot of land shared by the existing OCAS facility and Orange County Mosquito Control, which is being relocated. For a more detailed background on the project, please visit the OCAS website.