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The city of Aurora is working on a new animal shelter to better serve animals and residents in a rapidly growing community. The modern facility will expand capacity, enhance animal care and create a more welcoming, efficient experience for the public. 

For questions about this project, please email [email protected] or call 303.326.8280.

Why a new shelter is needed 

• Outdated facility: The current shelter is 13,000 square feet and was built in the 1980s as an impound facility
• Not built for today’s services: The building was later converted and does not support the full scope of modern animal care and community services 
• Rapid population growth: Aurora has grown from approximately 150,000 residents in the 1980s to more than 400,000 today 
• High demand: The shelter operates at 90%–95% capacity year-round, limiting flexibility and space for animals in need 

Community Impact 

The new Aurora Animal Shelter will: 

• Expand the city’s ability to care for and protect animals 
• Improve outcomes for adoptions and fosters 
• Enhance the experience for residents accessing shelter services
• Support public safety and animal welfare across the community 

Project Significance 

The new shelter is a critical infrastructure investment that supports Aurora’s current and future needs. The project aligns with the city’s strategic outcome of being a well-managed city.

Project Overview 

The new facility will be constructed on existing city-owned land just southeast of the current shelter near East 32nd Avenue and Chambers Road. The shelter will be a modern, 42,000-square-foot building designed to meet Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA) standards, improving animal care and enhancing services for residents. 

Key Features 

• Two-story facility with more than 250 animal housing units for dogs, cats, small mammals, birds and reptiles 
• Two intake areas: one for adoptions and fosters, and the other for owner surrenders 
• On-site veterinary and medical spaces to support the health and treatment of animals in care 
• Outdoor play yards and meet-and-greet areas for dogs 
• Welcoming lobby designed to improve the adoption and intake experience
• Future-ready design with space to accommodate expansion as community needs grow 

Funding Strategy 

The estimated total project cost is $51.3 million, funded through a combination of sources: 

City of Aurora  

• $27 million – Certificates of Participation (COPs) 
• $16 million – Impact fees 
• $5 million – Capital project funds 

Federal and public contributions  

• $2.9 million – American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) 
• $460,000 – Community donations  

Project Timeline 

• Q2 2026: Construction begins 
• Q4 2027: Anticipated completion 
• 2028: Public opening