Columbus approves contracts for $9.8 million animal shelter

The City of Columbus has approved the agreements to start the construction of a new animal care services shelter at the airport.

Force Construction will build the new 21,000‑square‑foot $9.8 million facility across Arnold Street from the current shelter. The costs include $8.6 million for construction and $1.2 million for furnishings, equipment and other outfitting needs.

The shelter building will be funded with $5 million from the city’s general fund, $1 million from Mark and Wendy Elwood and $1 million from a matching community capital campaign, and $1.7 million in state READI funds. The Columbus Redevelopment Commission also provided $1.2 million.

The current 4,900‑square‑foot facility was built in 1987 to house 22 dogs and 40 cats, but it now routinely holds twice that amount. The current building also has costly maintenance issues including electrical problems, moisture challenges and inadequate ventilation.

A groundbreaking is scheduled for Aug. 26.

Rendering courtesy of Columbus Animal Care Services