Sandoval County presents plans for 10,000 sq ft animal resource center; officials say project is fully funded

Director Espinosa updated the Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners on the county's new Animal Resource Center during the March 11 meeting, describing the facility layout and operational plans and confirming the project is funded.

Espinosa introduced a newly appointed assistant director, outlined the building footprint and interior functions, and walked commissioners through diagrams of the design. The center will total about 10,000 square feet, with roughly 3,700 square feet of kennel space and about 7,300 square feet of operational space. The design uses three separate kennel sections to reduce cross-contamination risk, includes a veterinary/medical room and industrial laundry, and reserves outdoor and back-of-house space for possible expansion and temporary stabling of larger animals.

When Commissioner Josh Jones asked whether the project was fully funded, Director Espinosa responded, "Yes. We are." Espinosa said the design anticipates EV chargers to meet state construction standards and described features intended to improve animal care and staff workflow, including a dog washroom, separate small-dog and expectant-mother spaces, and an office and conference area for volunteers and staff.

Espinosa estimated kennel capacity at roughly 40–50 dog kennels and 12–20 cat kennels depending on configuration. Commissioners congratulated staff on the design and promotion of the assistant director and asked for clarification about cat exercise space (the plan favors an indoor cat playroom rather than outdoor runs).

The presentation did not require a board vote but served as an informational update while construction and fit-out proceed.