Maricopa County approves animal shelter construction in Mesa

PHOENIX — The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved construction of a new animal care shelter in Mesa Wednesday afternoon.

“Today’s vote is another important step in our ongoing mission to find good outcomes for as many homeless pets in our community as possible while fulfilling our statutory responsibilities in this area,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers, District 1, said in a statement.

“A larger, modern facility with a better layout will allow us to keep animals healthy and adoptable and the entire community safe.”

The board is setting aside $36 million to build the modern shelter space on county-owned land at Baseline Road and Lewis Drive, according to a press release.

The new building will replace the current Maricopa County Animal Care and Control shelter at Rio Salado and the Loop 101. Plans to replace it have been previously discussed but were delayed due to the pandemic, according to the release.

The MCACC currently cares for about 200 adoptable dogs and has housed thousands of animals in its 30-year run, according to the release.

“I’m happy to move this project forward on behalf of the entire East Valley, and especially the residents who have put their heart and soul into volunteering, adopting, or fostering at our current location,” Supervisor Steve Chucri, District 2, said in a statement.

“Building a new shelter on land we own will be good for animal welfare. It’s also smart financially because there’s no land cost and the infrastructure is already there.”

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