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Commissioners Move Forward with Conceptual Shelter Design
On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners
(BOCC) approved the conceptual design for a new animal shelter facility. The new shelter will be
located at 3062 W. Woodland Ridge Dr. in Lecanto, on property currently owned by the county.
During a scheduled morning workshop, county staff and representatives from MLM-Martin Architects
and Tocoi Engineering presented two conceptual design plans for a facility to replace the existing
animal shelter, which has been in service since the mid-1970s. Final approval came during the 1:00
p.m. regular meeting.
The design chosen includes a $9 million building. A commitment was made to complete the project
through debt issuance and donations. The current facility, just under 14,000 square feet, can house
up to 68 dogs and 41 cats. Over 3,500 animals are processed through the shelter annually. In 2022,
that included 1,928 spayed/neutered, 1,894 pet adoptions, and 461 reunifications with families.
The approved new shelter design totals 24,450 square feet, which includes additional space for
animals and more room for staff to operate effectively. Approximately 14,308 square feet is
dedicated to animal housing, raising the capacity to 110 dogs and 74 cats. The new clinic area will
total 3,699 square feet, with the remaining 6,443 square feet utilized for animal intake,
adoptions, and other operational areas. The approved plan also provides alternatives for future
expansion. "After dedicating two and a half years to this project, it is wonderful to see this
forward-thinking board come together," said Chairman Ruthie Davis Schlabach. "We all see the
importance of a safe and healthy shelter for our staff, volunteers, and animals in Citrus County."