Location of a New Multi-Million Dollar Jackson County Animal Shelter Not Finalized

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — Jackson County Commissioners is collaborating with Friends of the Animals (FOTA) and other community organizations to build a new animal shelter.

Cattery Eliminated from New Design Plans

However, by eliminating a cattery the budget for the conceptual plan has been slashed by $2.6 million. The original budget was $15.7 million. However, the new budget is still being revised.

Originally, a new Jackson County Animal Shelter would have been built at its present location in Cottageville, next to the Jackson County Fairgrounds. Jackson County Commissioners are now evaluating the possibility of locating the new shelter on land set aside for a jail that will provide sufficient space for future expansion.

Existing Premises are Dilapidated and Badly Designed

Jackson County Administrator Danny Jordan says the existing shelter is dilapidated and badly designed, with a patchwork of additions that have been added over the years.

Jordan says County Commissioners and their project partners will visit other shelters to glean first-hand information, such as income from adoptions and running costs.

Construction of the new facility is planned over two financial years.

Animal lovers have expressed some opposition to eliminating a cattery at the shelter. On its Facebook page, the Jackson County Animal Shelter states that its goal is to place ‘all of our furry friends in loving homes and to educate others so that no animals will go homeless again.’

Silling Architects were appointed by County Commissioners to design the new premises. Silling says the design goal was to create an inviting place for employees, visitors, and volunteers and a healthy space for animals to thrive.

The architects have designed a 6,600 ft space with north-facing dog runs to protect the animals from glaring sunlight.