The resolution directs Mayor Carlos Gimenez to place the new Animal Services Shelter at the top of the County’s priority list of construction projects and utilize provisions of the Miami-Dade Economic Stimulus Ordinance to speed up the building approval process.

“We care about animals and are committed to doing everything we can so that no dog or cat will have to be euthanized, due to lack of space to shelter them,” said Commissioner Diaz, who sponsored the resolution. “The Economic Stimulus Ordinance will help us achieve that goal faster, and the sooner the better.”

The resolution also directs the Mayor to prepare a report within 60 days identifying all steps taken on the construction of the new shelter and detailing any additional authority or funding needed to complete the project.

At 69,000 square feet, the new shelter in Doral will more than double the size of the County’s existing shelter in Medley.  It will provide an improved environment to enhance the adoption of animals and a venue for education, training and expanded services to the public.  The new shelter will expand dog housing by more than 30 percent (from 222 cages to 296) and increase cat housing by more than 100 cages, as well as provide space for animal treatment that currently does not exist. 

The Economic Stimulus Ordinance, which was adopted by the County Commission in 2008, allows for an accelerated review and permitting process for certain capital projects identified by the Commission by resolution. That same year, Commissioners included a new Animal Services Shelter in a list of projects eligible for construction under the ordinance.