MIDDLEBURG — Construction for Clay County’s newest animal services building has commenced following an official groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday. The $21.5-million, one-story facility is set to …
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MIDDLEBURG — Construction for Clay County’s newest animal services building has commenced following an official groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday.
The $21.5-million, one-story facility is set to be located at the corner of Sleepy Hollow Road and County Road 220, and completed by late 2026.
Local officials and community members attended the ceremony, which was a breeding ground for upbeat spirits for the upcoming project.
The rumbling background noise of heavy machinery was a fitting soundtrack to match the long-awaited day.
“This is a meaningful milestone. Not just for me and my fellow commissioners, past and present, and our dedicated staff, but also for our entire community,” said District 4 Commissioner Betsy Condon.
The new shelter will be over 32,000 square feet, featuring kennels, offices, a classroom/multipurpose room, clinic and medical space.
The facility will also allow for additional services and programs to care for Clay County’s animal population.
With the current no-kill shelter sitting at approximately 13,000 square feet, Director of Animal Services Ernest Hagan said that its needs have outgrown the space, along with major storm flooding issues and other challenges.
“This new building truly represents a major step forward for Clay County. With the increased capacity and advanced facilities, this will allow us to do more for the animals in our care and for the residents of Clay County,” Hagan told the audience.
Representatives from two of the venture's partners, Chewy Health and Lincoln Memorial University, were also in attendance.
In a $1 million deal with the university, the county will allow the school’s veterinarian students access to the facility for educational purposes and surgical spaces.
“It’s a powerful example of what can happen when academic institutions, industry leaders and local government come together to solve real-world challenges“, said Dr. Kimberly Carney, dean of the school’s future College of Veterinary Medicine at Orange Park. “This new shelter isn’t just a place for animals in need. It's a learning lab, a career launch pad, and a bridge between education and public service.”
In a special announcement, the county also revealed their "Pawsitive Impacts" donor wall, an initiative dedicated to immersing the community into the building’s story and future.
The permanent display will honor individuals, families, organizations, business and pets through engraved paw prints.
County Manager Howard Wanamaker said that each print will represent a generous monetary contribution directly benefiting the shelter.
The donation levels will consist of a bronze “Paws of Thanks” at $250, a silver “Paws of Honor” at $500 and a gold “Paws of Fame” at $1,000.
The county said other sponsorship opportunities are also available. To learn more, visit www.claycountygov.com/community/animal-services/paw-sitive-impacts or email claygrants@claycountygov.com.
