INDIANAPOLIS — Site prep is underway for the new Indianapolis Animal Care Services shelter coming to the southeast side of Indianapolis.
Crews have been clearing and leveling ground at the location in the 5000 block of East Raymond Street, near Emerson Avenue.
IACS says work preparing the site started late in the week of Dec. 2. According to a post on social media, crews are "preparing the site for drainage and utilities so construction of the building can begin after winter."
The new shelter will be three times the size of the existing 24,000-square-foot shelter on Harding Street. It will include an improved medical clinic, lab space, and a modern lobby and reception area.
It will also prioritize natural light, outdoor space, larger kennels and noise reduction.
“Our current shelter does not meet the needs of the animals we serve or the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to provide care,” said Abbey Brands, director of the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, which oversees IACS. “This new building isn’t just larger — its design will allow for more efficient operations, a better approach to medical care and more humane treatment of the animals in our care.”
13News has done several reports on the overcrowding at the shelter, creating a crisis for the animals and the staff.
That's why this new shelter is purposefully placed in the 46203 ZIP code, which historically has had some of the highest stray pickups and animal control-related runs in Marion County.
Friends of Indy Animals say this new shelter is critical to ensuring more animals find forever homes.
“This is why they are here, to be part of our families, to be a part of our community, and when they are not able to do that, that’s a determent to them,” said Jason Larrison, chair of Friends of Indy Animals Board of Directors.
The shelter is largely funded by Friends of Indy Animals, which is committing $7 million from their “Journey Home” capital campaign, along with a $20 million bond approved by the City-County Council.
Key gifts to the capital campaign include a $3 million grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, a $1 million investment from the Lilly Endowment and a $1 million gift from the Indianapolis Colts.
