Taking in more than 1,000 animals a year, the Ames Animal Shelter looks to grow its space through a newly purchased facility.
According to the City of Ames, the new facility at 2715 Dayton Ave. will include an increased housing space for animals, surgical areas for spaying and neutering, exercise areas and multipurpose rooms for community engagement and socializing with animals.
The new facility, replacing the former location of the Eagles Loft Child Care Center, is estimated to be four to five times larger than the current 30-year-old animal shelter, as the property sits on 5.59 acres of land.
With an estimated construction cost between $7.5 million to $8 million, the shelter is looking for donations to raise a balance of $1.5 million. The rest of the funding is from private donors, who contributed $3 million and the Ames City Council granted another $3 million.
The Ames Animal Shelter is a no-kill shelter and has found homes for more than 98% of its wide variety of animals. According to the 2024 Animal Shelter Statistics, the shelter took in 1,083 animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits and other small pets. These animals are either placed in new homes or returned to their original owners.
The current Ames Animal Shelter is located at 325 Billy Sunday Road. More information about the shelter’s services and donations can be found on its website.