The city of Pasco is nearing completion on the construction on a new building to house the Tri-Cities Animal Shelter.

The metal pre-engineering building at 1311 S. 18th Ave. features 9,651 square feet of space on 2.5 acres, complete with site development around it, including four outdoor play areas (one is 1,600 square feet, two are 400 square feet and one is 600 square feet.).

It features an HVAC system to keep pets comfortable, a pet bath area, dedicated pet meet-and-greet area and lots of natural light. 

This location replaces the current facility that served the community for over 50 years and has reached the end of its usable life.

The new facility will be able to house 75 dogs and 90 cats, according to city planning documents.

Construction on the $4.2 million project began in early 2023.

Due to delays in furniture, fixtures and equipment, the facility is looking at a December opening, according to the June meeting minutes of the Tri-Cities Animal Control Authority.

In 2023, the shelter took in 1,272 dogs and 1,688 cats, and adopted 653 dogs and 874 cats. The shelter is a joint effort of the cities of Pasco, Kennewick and Richland through the Animal Control Authority, made up of the cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland. The city of Pasco has operational responsibility.

G2 Commercial Construction is the contractor.

CKJT Architects is the designer.

Go to: animalsheltertc.com.