Big news for our furry friends in McLean County! Animal Services has officially opened its brand-new facility, designed for healthier, happier, and more adoptable pets. This state-of-the-art space promises a new era of animal care and community involvement. Want to know how this impacts local animals?
McLean County Animal Services has proudly inaugurated its state-of-the-art facility in Shirley, marking a pivotal moment for animal welfare in the region. This expansion, more than doubling the space of its previous location, ushers in a new chapter focused on providing optimal care, reducing stress, and significantly boosting pet adoption rates for animals in need across McLean County.
The decision to relocate and expand stemmed from pressing needs, including the former building’s vulnerability to severe floods in 2021 and 2023. While no animals were harmed, the incidents highlighted the necessity for a more resilient and functional animal shelter. This new site, strategically located on 10 acres just a mile from the old facility, offers enhanced land and space, promising safer and more efficient operations for the dedicated staff.
Designed through a collaborative effort by Farnsworth Group and CORE Construction, the 11,000-square-foot facility prioritizes efficiency, cleanliness, and specialized care. It features a sophisticated filtration system that circulates fresh air every ten minutes, ensuring a healthier environment. Additionally, innovative cleaning solutions, such as overhead hoses and advanced drainage with screens, are integrated to control odors and mitigate the transmission of diseases, directly supporting superior animal welfare.
Beyond its advanced infrastructure, the new building significantly enhances the well-being of both animals and staff. It includes ADA compliance, increased office and meeting spaces, a communal area for wardens, and separate staff break rooms. These thoughtful additions create a more supportive and productive environment, allowing staff to focus more effectively on their critical community services.
A key aspect of this transition is the organization’s rebranding from Animal Control to Animal Services, a change that more accurately reflects the comprehensive scope of its work. Officials emphasize that every animal leaving the facility will be spayed, neutered, and microchipped, fully prepared for a loving “forever home,” underscoring the commitment to responsible pet adoption and animal well-being.
The facility now offers new opportunities for potential pet parents to engage with animals in a dedicated “Meet & Greet” room, alongside expanded outdoor areas and dog runs. These features are designed to facilitate positive interactions and aid in the successful placement of animals, further solidifying the facility’s role in promoting pet adoption within McLean County.
The grand opening celebrated not only the new physical space but also years of meticulous planning, design, and fundraising efforts, completed on schedule and under budget. County leaders and staff expressed immense pride in this achievement, recognizing the collective collaboration that brought this vision to fruition for the benefit of the entire community.
Officials are actively encouraging community members to visit the new animal shelter and consider volunteering their time. Even a few hours a week can make a profound difference, accelerating the process of connecting animals with their adoptive families and strengthening the overall community services provided by McLean County Animal Services.
