Maricopa County’s $37.1-million animal care facility spans 82,000 sq ft of covered exterior space and 51,400 sq ft of indoor space. It was completed on time and within budget in May 2024.

With a capacity for 450 animals, the facility has 322 dog runs and 128 kennels. The center includes two surgery suites with independent air-conditioning units, a full oxygen system and anesthesia vac pump system and positive/negative mechanical systems.

Outside, pooches have an agility yard, two play yards, three guest play yards and two splash pools. A key design element was including dog runs throughout the space, all designed to showcase each dog, reduce stress and eliminate visibility with other nearby animals.

The air handling unit features an evaporative cooling air-conditioning system. This was key to maintaining a controlled environment, which is vital to animal health and well-being.

Navigating the electrical rough-in proved tricky because it involved intricate wiring within the walls and masonry structures. Extensive underground plumbing and trench work was essential for the shelter’s functionality as well in order to ensure proper drainage and sanitation for the animals.

To install the extensive amount of epoxy flooring throughout the facility, the project team used advanced grinding techniques and maintained a thorough quality-control process to ensure installation quality.