Mayor Cheriogotis: Much-anticipated Animal Services Facility moving forward

Mayor Cheriogotis: Much-anticipated Animal Services Facility moving forward

Apr 17th, 2026

Posted in: Press ReleaseAnimal ShelterMayor

Mobile, Ala. - Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis is advancing plans for a new Animal Services facility in Mobile, with a construction contract set for consideration at Tuesday's Mobile City Council meeting.

This marks a major step forward for one of the City's most needed and most anticipated projects. The proposed facility will be located along the I-65 service road and will replace the City's current, outdated Owens Street shelter, which was originally constructed in 1967.

The new facility is designed to support and enhance the operations of the City of Mobile Animal Services Department, with expanded capacity for pets and a more functional home for staff and volunteers who support the department's critical work.

The new facility will include a dedicated adoption area with improved customer spaces and a lobby, as well as an on-site clinic with an attached surgical suite. It will have expanded kennel capacity with 120 double-sided kennels that can accommodate even large-breed dogs in a fully climate-controlled environment. Other improvements from the current shelter will include epoxy flooring to improve sanitation and multiple outdoor play yards for animal enrichment.

On Tuesday, April 21, the Mobile City Council will consider for the first time a construction contract with Rogers & Willard Inc. to renovate and build the new facility for approximately $6.3 million. The low bidder, Rogers & Willard's proposal includes the baseline construction bid, a required contingency, and alternates for a walkway, shade structures, and other amenities.

The City has previously budgeted approximately $10 million to renovate and add to the existing facilities on the property. Any additional funds will remain with the project to cover unexpected costs that may arise during renovation and to support future improvements and amenities.

Statement from Mayor Cheriogotis:

"This is a major step forward for a project that our community has needed for a long time," Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis said. "Right now, our Animal Services staff and volunteers do incredible work every day in a facility that doesn't match the standard they set themselves. This new, improved facility will provide a much better working environment and create a more inviting experience for the visitors who are adopting pets and supporting this mission. I am truly excited to see this project moving forward!"