ORLANDO, Fla. – A new animal shelter in Orange County is officially underway.
County leaders broke ground on the new home for Orange County Animal Services on Wednesday, not far from the current facility off Conroy Road in Orlando.
The shelter, which will cost $49 million, will be the largest in Florida at 123,419 square feet, and will have a much larger medical suite to help increase capacity for medical needs such as spay and neuter services.
“This project marks Orange County’s commitment to ensure each pet, and pet owner, receives the highest standard of care and respect,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.
The current shelter was built in 1987 and has been showing its age in recent years, especially with its lack of air-conditioned dog kennels.
The new shelter will be able to house around 265 dogs and 200 cats.
The shelter is expected to open by the end of 2027.
It will be the second new facility for rescued pets in Orange County.
Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando opened its new facility last week on John Young Parkway, not far from Conroy Road.
[WATCH: New Pet Alliance shelter in Orlando opens this week]