Orange County Animal Services Groundbreaking

Orange County recently marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of its new $49 million Animal Services facility, a long-anticipated project that reflects both the region’s rapid growth and its evolving approach to animal welfare and public service. The ceremony, held on April 1, 2026, brought together local leaders, staff, and community stakeholders to celebrate the start of construction on what will become the largest animal shelter in Florida. Located near the existing Conroy Road campus in Orlando, the new facility will span more than 123,000 square feet and is expected to open in 2027, significantly expanding the County’s capacity to care for animals and serve residents.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings along with all six Orange County Commissioners break ground on the new county animal shelter.

As a firm deeply engaged in shaping public and civic infrastructure throughout Central Florida, Borrelli + Partners is proud to be part of the team helping bring this transformative project to life. Together with Bacon Group Architecture, the team is providing architectural design services for the 123,419 square-foot facility that represents a major advancement in animal welfare design across the region.

Exterior rendering of shelter.

The current shelter, originally built in 1987, has struggled to keep pace with population growth and modern standards of care. The new facility is intentionally designed to address those challenges through a comprehensive, program-driven approach. The layout is organized into distinct yet interconnected components, including Enforcement and In-processing, a full Veterinary Surgery Clinic, and a two-story Adoptions and Administration wing integrated with kenneling accommodations. This structure is designed to streamline operations, improve workflow efficiency, and ensure that animals receive specialized, responsive care at every stage of their journey.

Total housing capacity will support approximately 265 dogs and 200 cats, with a variety of housing types designed to prioritize comfort, safety, and adaptability. All animal areas will feature climate-controlled environments that respond to Florida’s climate while maintaining optimal health conditions year-round.

A central feature of the facility is its 10,386 square-foot veterinary clinic, designed as a full-service medical hub. The clinic will include eight surgery tables and comprehensive treatment capabilities, allowing staff to provide a wide range of medical services on-site. This investment in veterinary infrastructure is critical to improving outcomes for animals, increasing adoption readiness, and enhancing the County’s ability to respond to both routine and urgent care needs.

Interior rendering of the facility.

Beyond capacity and functionality, the architectural design places a strong emphasis on well-being through the integration of Fear Free and WELL Building design principles. These strategies inform key design decisions, incorporating elements such as noise reduction, access to natural light, and thoughtful spatial organization. The goal is to actively reduce stress, not only for the animals, but also for staff, volunteers, and visitors, creating a calmer, more humane, and more supportive environment throughout the facility.

County leadership emphasized the importance of the project during the groundbreaking event, highlighting both its functional benefits and its broader meaning for the community. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings described the development as a reflection of the County’s commitment to its residents and their pets, stating, “This project marks Orange County’s commitment to ensure each pet, and pet owner, receives the highest standard of care and respect.” He also noted that the facility serves as “a symbol of the values we hold as a community,” reinforcing its role beyond infrastructure alone. Members of the Board of County Commissioners were also in attendance, including Commissioner Mike Scott, who joined in recognizing the project’s importance to the County’s long-term planning and quality of life.

Orange County Mayor and Commissioners alongside the design team.

As construction begins, the new Animal Services facility represents more than just a replacement for an aging building. This is a forward-looking investment in public resources, community health, and responsible growth.

For Borrelli + Partners, participation in this project reflects an on-going commitment to supporting civic initiatives that enhance community well-being through resilient, forward-thinking design. When completed, the facility will stand as a key public asset designed to serve Orange County residents and their animals for decades to come.

Left to right: Thuyduong Dang (B+P); Bryant Almeida (OCAS Public Information Officer); Rick Baldocchi (AVCON-Civil); Diane Summers (OCAS Director); Jorge Borrelli (B+P); Dan Trbovich (B+P); Rick Bacon (Architect of Record); and Katherine “Kitty” Martinez (OCAS Health Services Department).