$6.6M Detroit Animal Care and Control Facility Expected to Open in 2023

The city of Detroit has announced an updated timeline for a new $6.6 million animal shelter and officer building for Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC) located at the intersection of Ferry and Russell near the county’s new criminal justice complex.
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The new DACC facility will feature expanded outdoor space. // Courtesy of Studio Detroit Architects
The new DACC facility will feature expanded outdoor space. // Courtesy of Studio Detroit Architects

The city of Detroit has announced an updated timeline for a new $6.6 million animal shelter and officer building for Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC) located at the intersection of Ferry and Russell near the county’s new criminal justice complex.

It is expected to begin construction in January and be operating before the end of 2023.

“The new facility reunites Animal Care and Animal Control in a combined operations location to better serve Detroiters and their pets,” says Denise Fair Razo, chief public health officer. “The team is excited to move into new quarters with more than 200 kennels, a veterinary clinic, call center, adoption areas, outdoor kennels, pet exercise area, and quarantine and isolation areas.

“This will allow us to provide enhanced service in all areas of animal welfare. We appreciate the support of Detroiters, including rescue groups and especially our elected officials who have championed this effort.”

The new facility was originally expected to open in spring 2023, however, a change in the contractor team and some design modifications pushed the start of construction back more than six months.

The approximately 30,000-square-foot building will provide nearly twice the space as DACC’s current 16,000-square-foot headquarters and shelter. It will include over 200 kennels — up from 86 — to significantly expand its boarding capacity and feature larger outdoor areas for dog runs.

The new facility also will include a new, modernized veterinary clinic with better amenities and more space to allow Detroit Animal Care to provide a higher level of care and treatment.

“No one is more eager to complete this new facility than we are. The new Animal Control facility will increase capacity and enable animal control officers to continue ensuring the safety of Detroit residents,” says Brad Dick, group executive for services and infrastructure.

“It is critical that we get this right and now that we have the right contractors in place, we are ready to begin construction just after the holidays and honor the City’s commitment to enhance animal welfare for residents and their furry friends.”

Plans call for the complete overhaul – inside and out – of the existing building at 5700 Russell, which most recently has been used for office space for the Greater Detroit Resource Recovery Authority (GDRAA).

“The new facility will be the culmination of a series of major improvements made within Animal Care and Animal Control in recent years,” says LaJuan Counts, director of the demolition department. “This updated expansion plan allows us to completely address the challenges the current facility now faces. When this new shelter is completed, the DACC staff, as well as residents and animals, will have the improved facility they deserve.”

DACC is calling on all Detroit residents who own dogs to help by making sure their animals are secured, vaccinated against rabies, have a license, and are microchipped. For anyone interested in fostering or adopting an animal, go to the Detroit Animal Care shelter located at 7401 Chrysler Drive from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. seven days a week or click here.