The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved funding for a new animal care shelter in the East Valley. As part of the fiscal year 2022 budget, the County has reserved $27 million to build a new, modern shelter in the City of Mesa at Baseline Road and Lewis Drive. The shelter will be located on land the county already owns.
"Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) continues to save the lives of more homeless pets than ever before and the addition of a new facility in the East Valley is important to ensure we are fulfilling our state mandates regarding stray animals and public safety," said Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers, District 1.
"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, District 2. “I will closely monitor plans for this facility to ensure it serves the needs of our community while being responsible with taxpayer dollars."
The new facility will replace the current shelter at Rio Salado and the Loop-101. Built in 1991, the Rio Salado facility is showing its age and is due for replacement. Over the years, the facility has received and managed more than 7,000 dogs and cats annually and consistently had a higher adoption rate than the West Valley shelter located at 27th Avenue and Durango in Phoenix. The successes celebrated at Rio Salado are attributed to the dedication of staff, public support, and the hundreds of volunteers who selflessly spent thousands of hours in the shelter to help these homeless pets.
The need for a new East Valley shelter has been known for some time, but construction design plans developed prior to COVID-19 had to be placed on hold due to the pandemic.
With funding for a new East Shelter reserved, the next step is to begin the procurement process and review qualified construction proposals. Additional details will be released to the public after bids are in and County leaders make more concrete decisions about shelter construction and the best ways for the new facility to serve the needs of the County, its residents, and homeless pets.
In the meantime, the Durango shelter remains the primary shelter and is open to the public and volunteers with the Rio Salado facility being used for weekend adoptions and special events.
Background
For the past few years, MCACC has been able to maintain a live release rate of 95% or higher through innovation, programming, and partnerships. To learn more about MCACC, to volunteer, foster, and or to find your new best friend, please visit Maricopa.gov/pets.