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The city has committed $18 million for the construction of a new Indianapolis Animal Care Services shelter.
The funding is part of a $190 million investment in Indianapolis park and public safety facilities recently approved by the City-County Council.
IACS Deputy Director Katie Trennepohl said a new shelter is needed.
“This is something we have been working on for a long time, something our animals in our care, our staff, our volunteers deserve and something our community deserves,” Trennephol said.
The current shelter was designed in the 1980s to house animals for a short period of time until they could be euthanized.
“Our purpose and mission have since changed, and the needs of both IACS and the community have far surpassed the capabilities of the current building,” Trennephol said.
The City-County Council is expected to consider a proposal for the new shelter March 15. If approved, site selection and design is expected to be finalized by the end of 2021, with construction expected to begin in 2022.
The total cost of the project will depend on the location and type of construction, but it is expected to exceed $18 million. IACS plans to secure the remaining funding from philanthropic partners, a capital campaign by the Friends of Indianapolis Animal Care Services Foundation, and other funding sources.
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