COLUMBUS — The City of Columbus has finalized public-private construction agreements to build a state-of-the-art $9.8 million facility for Columbus Animal Care Services, marking a major milestone in local efforts to modernize animal welfare operations and resolve severe shelter overcrowding.
Local firm Force Construction has been awarded the contract to build the new 21,000-square-foot facility. The project will be located across Arnold Street from the current shelter, near the Columbus Municipal Airport.
A formal groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for August 26, 2026, with operations expected to begin in July 2027.
The new facility will replace a severely outdated 4,900-square-foot building constructed in 1987. Originally designed to house just 22 dogs and 40 cats, the current shelter at 2730 Arnold Street routinely holds more than double its intended capacity.
In addition to chronic space shortages, the existing building faces significant structural challenges, including maxed-out electrical systems, persistent moisture problems, and inadequate ventilation that create difficult working conditions for staff and volunteers.
Once complete, the new 21,000-square-foot facility will significantly expand local capacity and features:
- Expanded Housing: Space to comfortably accommodate up to 66 dogs and 86 cats.
- Upgraded Services: A modern medical intake area, expanded reception space, dedicated volunteer areas, and species-specific meet-and-greet rooms for potential adopters.
Cost Breakdown and Funding Sources
City officials established a guaranteed maximum project price of $9.8 million, which includes $8.6 million for construction and $1.2 million for furnishings, equipment, and outfitting needs.
The project is being financed through a public-private partnership utilizing a combination of municipal funds, state grants, and private donations:
- $5 Million: City of Columbus General Fund
- $1.7 Million: Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) funds
- $1.2 Million: Columbus Redevelopment Commission
- $1 Million: Lead private gift from donors Mark and Wendy Elwood
- $1 Million: Community capital campaign match
City officials noted that community members interested in supporting the remaining capital campaign or naming opportunities within the new shelter—such as cat community rooms and dog kennels—can find details through Friends of Columbus Animal Care Services.
