Enhancing Animal Care and Shelter Operations

The renovation project will expand APS’ ability to provide quality care through new dog and cat quarantine areas, a dedicated dog isolation area and a new isolation play yard. 
 
Medical facilities will also receive significant upgrades, including a medical suite nearly twice the size of the current space and a new recovery suite directly connected to the medical area.
 
Additional upgrades include replacement kennels in the north and south wings, sewer system improvements to enhance sanitation and streamline kennel cleaning, and new dog and cat impound rooms with direct exterior access to improve animal movement and safety.

Supporting Staff, Volunteers and Daily Operations

The project includes renovations to staff restrooms and laundry facilities, along with a new volunteer locker room to better support those who care for animals every day.
 
The approved plan also repurposes an existing City facility to create dedicated office space for Animal Protection Officers and the Public Response Team rather than constructing a new building. Relocating Animal Protection Officers to the nearby facility will provide the space needed for the medical expansion and other shelter upgrades.
 
To maintain essential services throughout construction, temporary animal housing and workspace for shelter medical staff will be provided at a nearby City facility.

Solar Panel Upgrades

Donation Will Provide Solar Energy and Shade Structures

In April 2026, Mayor and Council approved a donation of solar energy system valued at more than $278,000 from Sol-Up, a Nevada-based provider of high-efficiency solar technologies, to support the City’s Animal Protection Services facility. 

“We are grateful for this generous donation, which supports our sustainability goals while directly improving the experience for animals and visitors,” said Mayor Michelle Romero. “Alongside our planned investments, this contribution helps us build a better, more modern shelter for our community.”

The Donated Solar System Will Provide Multiple Long-Term Benefits, Including:

• Sustainable, renewable energy generation that reduces the facility’s operational carbon footprint
• Shaded areas in the adoption courtyard, creating a more comfortable and welcoming environment for visitors
• Shade structures over the dog play yard, improving comfort and safety for animals
• Emergency daytime power to support critical operations during outages

Animal Protection Services Facility Completed Upgrades

More than $600,000 in improvements and upgrades have already been made since 2023. We're excited to continue this work with additional funding.