OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Marion County Animal Services has officially closed its doors on SE 66th St. and relocated to their brand-new facility located at 6405 W. Silver Springs Blvd. The ribbon cutting for this new facility took place on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. before attendees got a chance to explore every room.

Hundreds of guests made an appearance, including Marion County Commission Chairman Carl Zalak, III and Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, for this special grand opening. The facility was touted as a new hope for animals and pet owners by one of many speakers who shared why this new building is important for all of the animals in need across Marion County. Guests included the College of Central Florida’s Student Activities Board, owners of other animal-focused facilities and pet owners who supported the grand opening, filling the parking lots and donating. Notable figures in the community also came together to cut the ribbon and show their support.

Four people stand together for a picture in an animal service facility.
A line of people stand together with large scissors to cut a ribbon on the grand opening of Marion County Animal Services.
Crowds of people walk into the Marion County Animal Services building.

This new facility provides more space to cater to the large population of animals in Marion County and provide swift care for animals in need. Marion County Animal Services operated out of a small facility where animals who needed extra care such as x-rays had to travel for them. Now, with the new, larger facility, everything animals need, from space to specialized care, can be hosted in one, central location.

An animal x-ray table stands against a wall in a white room.
A small Farmacy stands at the end of a room with long cabinets lining the walls on 3 sides.
An animal operating room has four beds with large lights shining down on them and large windows behind each one.

The new location features individual rooms for each animal need. Dogs and cats have their own separate spaces so that cats can have a quieter atmosphere and dogs can have more space. In the cat sections, multiple rooms are dedicated to kitten cages where kittens can sleep, eat and socialize. There is also a medical area where animals can have x-rays, operations, check-ups and easy access to a “Farmacy” for all of their needs.

Two kittens look at people through cage bars.
Visitors looked at cats in the new Marion County Animal Services’ cat rooms at their grand opening on May 21, 2026.
Courtesy: Amber Battillo/352today

Dogs have rooms inside the main building as well as two smaller buildings for their individual kennels to provide a larger space to care for more canines. Each kennel features a small door in the back so the dogs can choose to stay inside or relax outside. The dog and cat areas have their own designated laundry rooms and food preparation rooms. Food preparation rooms feature bags of food for each animal and a long counter for a clean working area. Laundry rooms carry multiple blankets so each animal can have a comfortable and warm sleeping area.

A room has dog food piled against the wall along with various boxes. A laundry machine stands at the front of the room.
Guests could look at the dogs and puppies at the Marion County Animal Services grand opening on May 21. Courtesy: Amber Battillo/352today
Three puppies sit together in a kennel, looking at people through the bars. They have a small table with a blanket behind them and feeding bowls next to them.
A laundry room features rollable racks with blankets and boxes on them. On the left side of the room is a ridge while a laundry machine stands on the right side.

This new facility will bring improved care to the animals of Marion County, providing new hope to pet owners and lovers.