Maricopa County approves funding for new animal shelter to be built in Mesa

PHOENIX — The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved funding for a new animal care facility in Mesa that will be replacing the current shelter located in Tempe, officials announced Friday.

The county has reserved $27 million to build a new shelter on land it already owns at Baseline Road and Lewis Drive, as part of the fiscal year 2022 budget, officials stated in a press release.

With funding reserved, officials are working toward the procurement process and review of qualified construction proposals.

“The Board of Supervisors heard East Valley residents loud and clear about the need for investment in a modernized animal care facility,” said Supervisor Steve Chucri in the release.

He said he will monitor plans for the facility “to ensure it serves the needs of our community while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.”

Officials said the current location was long due for a replacement, but construction plans developed before COVID-19 had to be placed on hold.

The Tempe shelter located at Rio Salado and the Loop 101 was built in 1991, and has received and managed more than 7,000 dogs and cats annually.

Until the new location is built, the Phoenix facility at 27th Avenue and Durango Street remains the primary shelter with the Tempe facility being used for weekend adoptions and special events.

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