Construction began on a new animal shelter in Fruit Heights on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, to replace the current facility and address a growing need for animal care in Davis County. The new 27,223-square-foot facility will more than double the size of the existing 11,000-square-foot shelter, which was originally built in 1985.
Addressing Aging Infrastructure
The new facility is being built on the same 12-acre property that currently houses the shelter, located at 1422 East 600 North. Layton Construction is leading the build of the replacement facility, which is designed to address specific limitations of the current building. Officials noted that the mechanical systems and air handling units in the original structure were deemed unreliable.
Beyond aging infrastructure, the existing 11,000-square-foot space lacked sufficient room to properly quarantine and care for sick animals. The expansion is intended to meet the demands of a growing community, as Davis County Animal Care took in more than 5,000 animals last year.
Enhanced Animal Care Features
The new Davis County Animal Shelter will include several specialized amenities, such as a veterinary clinic, an educational community room, and fenced exercise areas. The floor plan is designed to house 94 cats and 60 dogs.
To improve animal welfare, the new facility will incorporate best practices in animal care. This includes providing larger, angled kennels intended to reduce stress for dogs, as well as smaller groupings of kennels to help reduce noise levels within the building.
Community and Service Goals
Michelle Hicks, the Director of Davis County Animal Care, said the new facility prioritizes modern animal care and sensible community investments. She noted that the functional floor plan is intended to expand the capacity to protect vulnerable pets while creating welcoming spaces for local families to connect, volunteer, and adopt.
Layton Construction Executive Vice President Jeff Palmer expressed honor in partnering with Davis County to support the community and create a welcoming place for animal rescues. The project aims to deliver a practical facility that elevates service to the Davis County community.
Project Timeline and Site Details
The construction project is expected to be complete in mid-2028. While most of the site will be transformed, the existing barn on the 12-acre property will remain in place, though it will receive a new water connection.
Meeting Growing Demand
The project comes as Davis County manages an increasing volume of animals in need of care. By increasing the facility's footprint from 11,000 square feet to over 27,000 square feet, the county aims to provide a modernized environment for both staff and the animals in their care.
