Give Me Shelter!

Citrus County is moving forward with plans to build a new Animal Services facility—one designed to meet modern standards of animal welfare, public safety, and operational efficiency.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a shelter that truly serves the animals, staff, and citizens of our community.

The current animal shelter was built more than 50 years ago. While it has served the community for decades, it no longer meets today’s standards for humane care, safety, or disease control.

Research and best practices now clearly show that a shelter’s environment plays a major role in animal health, behavior, stress levels, and adoptability. Unfortunately, the existing facility presents challenges that cannot be resolved through repairs alone.

• Aging infrastructure including leaking roofs, rusted metal, exposed beams, loud metal ceilings, and poor sound control
   
• Inefficient airflow and inadequate ventilation
   
• Poor workflow and limited visibility for staff
   
• Dogs housed with direct visual contact, increasing stress and frustration
   
• Dogs must be walked past long rows of kenneled dogs, increasing fear and anxiety
   
• Inability to properly isolate sick animals, resulting in disease outbreaks and temporary shelter closures
   
• An obscure location adjacent to the airport, limiting public access
   

Maintaining this outdated structure is costly and inefficient, placing unnecessary strain on staff and county resources.

The new facility will be designed using Fear Free and best-practice shelter principles, improving safety, efficiency, and outcomes for animals and people alike.

• Central county location for improved public access
   
• Fear Free design to reduce stress for animals and increase safety for staff and visitors
   
• Indoor/outdoor dog housing providing fresh air while maintaining secure kenneling
   
• Pod-style housing with appropriate airflow to reduce the spread of contagious disease
   
• Dedicated isolation areas for sick animals
   
• Modern building and kennel materials designed for proper sanitation
   
• Separate dog and cat housing, reducing stress for cats
   
• Appropriate housing for long-term and temporary care, including support for residents experiencing medical or housing hardship
  

• Free-roaming “catio” areas that improve feline health, reduce stress, and create a more welcoming adoption experience
   
• A Community Education Center, supporting:
   
  • Responsible pet ownership education
     
  • Humane treatment and animal welfare awareness
     
  • Programs that help keep pets in homes and reduce shelter intake
     
  • Partnerships such as Critter Camp, children’s reading programs, and veterinary education
     
• Expanded veterinary and surgical facilities, improving:
   
  • Access to low-cost medical care
     
  • Spay/neuter capacity to reduce overpopulation
     
  • Training partnerships with the University of Florida and other programs
     

Without donor support, these enhancements may not be included in the original build.

Be Part of This Once-in-a-Generation Project

This new shelter represents an investment in:

• Public safety
   
• Humane animal care
   
• Operational efficiency
   
• Long-term cost savings
   
• Community pride
   

Together, we can help Citrus County Animal Services build a facility that reflects our community’s values.

Make checks payable to:
Citrus County Animal Services – New Shelter Fund
110 N. Apopka Ave, Room 2-211
Inverness, FL 34450

Make checks payable to:
Citrus County Foundation for Animal Protection (CCFAP)
P.O. Box 1164
Inverness, FL 34451

Please note “Building Fund” on the check.
Donations may also be made via PayPal on this page.

Specific sponsorship opportunities—such as rooms, equipment, or dedicated spaces—will be announced as planning progresses. Donors will have opportunities for recognition within the new facility. You may donate now to support the overall project or participate later in targeted sponsorships.

Shelter animals depend on our community when they have nowhere else to turn. Your generosity helps ensure they receive safe, humane care while supporting long-term solutions for Citrus County.