Lacey City Council reviews $41.5M proposal for new animal shelter facility

The Olympia City Council meeting on March 18, 2025, focused on significant developments regarding animal services and facility needs. Key discussions included the management of local stray dogs and the progress of a new animal shelter facility.

During the meeting, officials highlighted a recent successful intervention involving stray dogs. Instead of taking the dogs to a shelter, officers were able to reunite them with their owner directly, showcasing a community-oriented approach to animal control. This method aims to minimize the number of animals entering shelters, which can be stressful for pets.

The council also received an update on the space needs assessment for a new animal services facility. The assessment, completed in 2024, revealed that the current building is in poor condition, ranking as one of the least adequate facilities in the area. The existing kennels, some dating back to 1996, are deteriorating and costly to maintain.

Plans for a new facility have evolved since the project began in 2021. Initial estimates suggested a 30,000 square foot building costing around $30 million. However, after further evaluations, the proposed size has been reduced to just under 20,000 square feet, with costs projected between $33 million and $41.5 million, depending on various factors such as site acquisition and development.

The design of the new facility aims to meet modern standards of care for animals, incorporating essential features like HVAC systems and veterinary services. While there are considerations to potentially reduce costs by removing the veterinary clinic from the building, officials emphasized the importance of having these services integrated within the facility.

The discussions at the meeting reflect ongoing efforts to improve animal welfare and service delivery in Olympia, with a focus on community engagement and the need for updated infrastructure. The council will continue to explore funding and partnerships to support the development of the new animal services facility.