DETROIT (WWJ) - A new multi-million dollar facility aimed to modernize facilities and expand kennel space for hundreds of rescues in Detroit is set to begin construction in January, city officials announced on Wednesday.
Construction for the new 30,000-square foot shelter and offices, located at Ferry and Russell, for Detroit Animal Care and Control aims to open it's doors to rescue animals before the end of 2023 with the goal of finding more dogs and cats their 'furever' homes.
“The new facility reunites Animal Care and Animal Control in a combined operations location to better serve Detroiters and their pets,” said Denise Fair Razo, Chief Public Health Officer in a prepared statement. “The team is excited to move into new quarters with more than 200 kennels, a veterinary clinic, call center, adoption areas, outdoor kennels, pet exercise area, quarantine and isolation areas."
"This will allow us to provide enhanced service in all areas of animal welfare," she continued. " We appreciate the support of Detroiters, including rescue groups and especially our elected officials who have championed this effort.”
While original plans anticipated the new shelter to open in the Spring of 2023, a change in the contractor as well modifications to the design delayed the project roughly six months.
The state-of-the-art facility will double the space of DACC's current building at 16,000-square-feet. The currently headquarters and shelter only holds 86 kennels.
A new, modernized veterinary clinic will also be incorporated into the new building to provide a high level of care and medical treatment to all furry guests.
“No one is more eager to complete this new facility than we are. The new Animal Control facility will increase capacity and enable animal control officers to continue ensuring the safety of Detroit residents,” said Brad Dick, group executive, Services and Infrastructure. “It is critical that we get this right and now that we have the right contractors in place, we are ready to begin construction just after the holidays and honor the City’s commitment to enhance animal welfare for residents and their furry friends.”
The shelter's currently building will also undergo a complete overhaul. Expanded office space, high-level air filtration and drainage systems as well as additional kennels are all included in updated plans for the space at 5700 Russell.
“The new facility will be the culmination of a series of major improvements made within Animal Care and Animal Control in recent years,” said director of the Demolition Department, LaJuan Counts. “This updated expansion plan allows us to completely address the challenges the current facility now faces. When this new shelter is completed, the DACC staff, as well as residents and animals, will have the improved facility they deserve.”
In a message to Detroit residents who are also dog owners, city officials asked for help by making sure their animals are kept in secure locations, are up-to-date on their rabies vaccination, are microchipped and have a license.
For anyone interested in fostering or adopting an animal, go to the Detroit Animal Care shelter located at 7401 Chrysler Drive from 11 am-3 pm seven days a week or visit adopt@friendsofdacc.org.