Marion County Animal Services Facility Grand Opening

Borrelli + Partners was proud to attend the grand opening celebration for the new Marion County Animal Services facility in Ocala, marking the completion of a transformative project dedicated to animal welfare, public service, and the future growth of the community.

B+P's President Jorge A. Borrelli and Senior Associate Dan-Michael Trbovich at the new Marion County Animal Services Facility.

Borrelli + Partners served as architect of the project and worked closely with Marion County to design the new $28 million facility. This facility is a modern, highly functional shelter environment that supports both operational efficiency and compassionate animal care. The new campus replaces the county’s previous aging shelter with a purpose-built facility designed to enhance daily operations, improve adoption experiences, and provide healthier environments for animals, staff, and visitors alike.

The new 37,361-square-foot facility sits on 20 acres with room for future expansion to better serve the community. The shelter also features 18,036 square feet of air-conditioned kennel space with both indoor and outdoor access for the animals, helping create a more comfortable and enriching environment while improving day-to-day care operations for staff and volunteers.

Designed to support both animal wellness and public engagement, the facility includes expanded veterinary and surgical spaces, dedicated cat housing areas, outdoor enrichment yards, administrative offices, and welcoming public adoption spaces intended to create a positive experience for visitors and prospective pet owners.

Veterinary and surgical spaces within the facility.

The shelter currently has approximately 300 dogs and 200 cats ready for adoption, highlighting the facility’s critical role in supporting animal welfare throughout Marion County and the surrounding region. The expanded capacity and upgraded amenities will allow staff and volunteers to better care for animals while helping connect more pets with permanent homes.

Throughout the design process, the project team focused on creating spaces that prioritize animal wellness while supporting the shelter professionals and volunteers who serve the community every day. Natural lighting, durable materials, efficient circulation, and specialized care areas were all incorporated to improve both functionality and quality of care within the facility.

The shelter also reflects a growing trend in civic architecture, designing public service facilities that are not only operationally effective, but also community-centered and adaptable for long-term use. By combining thoughtful planning with practical functionality, the new campus positions Marion County Animal Services to better serve residents and animals for decades to come.

Borrelli + Partners is honored to have partnered with Marion County on this important project and congratulates everyone involved in bringing the new Animal Services facility to life. The grand opening represents a significant milestone for the county and a meaningful investment in the well-being of the community and its animals.