OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Progress on the new Marion County Animal Shelter is more than meets the eye as the highly anticipated project moves forward.

Set for completion in December 2025, the shelter required collaboration between Marion County and Ocala city governments for zoning approval. Before breaking ground, officials developed a comprehensive plan for the facility’s infrastructure.

The project carries high expectations from the community and involves a dedicated team from county administration, facilities management, and animal services.

“We apply the same cost-saving approach to every project on behalf of the taxpayers who fund the projects used to serve our community,” says Stacie Causey, Marion County public relations manager.

The 20-acre property originally consisted of two parcels—one in the City of Ocala and one in unincorporated Marion County. The county parcel was annexed into the city’s jurisdiction to consolidate the site.

|TRENDING: Ocala Skate Park expansion moves forward with city approval

Space constraints at the current two-acre shelter made expansion a priority. The new facility will feature larger kennels, enrichment areas, and an expanded surgical suite, allowing improved care for animals.

Teams have worked diligently to keep the project on track while meeting or exceeding building standards and department specifications. Contract management remains a key focus.

“Prior to construction even starting, our in-house procurement services department awarded contracts for this project in line with our organization’s values and priorities of being good stewards of the taxpayers’ funding,” says Causey.

A significant amount of planning has gone into the shelter’s maintenance needs, including enhanced sanitation, climate control, and future scalability. The facility is designed to expand as needed to serve the community’s growing population.

The shelter’s design follows recommendations from the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters.

“We also work closely with the city of Ocala to ensure all required codes for the buildings, property, and structures are met,” says Causey, noting that the property is located within the city limits.

More news that matters to you…