New shelter will replace aging facility, enhance animal welfare and public safety categories

SACRAMENTO (March 11, 2026) - The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) Board has approved $10 million in loan financing for Calaveras County to construct a new Animal Services Facility in San Andreas.

The financing, provided through IBank's Infrastructure State Revolving Fund (ISRF) Program, will enable the county to replace its existing animal shelter, originally built in the 1950s, which no longer meets current building codes and is structurally and operationally obsolete.

The new 10,555-square-foot facility will address longstanding deficiencies while improving animal care, operational efficiency, and public health and safety.

IBank's financing will support construction of a modern shelter designed to meet current standards of care and efficiency. Planned features include dedicated intake and adoption areas, medical treatment and quarantine rooms, administrative offices, outdoor exercise yards, and energy-efficient building systems.

"Investing in modern public safety facilities strengthens communities and improves quality of life," said IBank Executive Director and CEO Andy Nakahata. "This new animal services facility will support animal care, protect public health, and provide a safe space that serves the community for decades to come."

Replacing the aging shelter will improve animal health through proper intake isolation and medical facilities, enhance public safety for staff and visitors, increase community engagement through adoptions and volunteerism, and provide greater operational efficiency.

"Calaveras County is deeply grateful for IBank's partnership and the critical support provided through the ISRF Program," said Calaveras County CEO Teresa Hitchcock. "For rural counties like ours, where resources are limited and aging infrastructure is a constant challenge, IBank is an invaluable lifeline. Without this affordable financing, moving forward with a modern Animal Services Facility would have been extremely difficult. This investment allows us to finally replace an outdated shelter and deliver the level of care and public safety our community deserves."

The project is expected to create approximately 130 construction jobs and 12 full-time positions to support ongoing operations once the facility is complete.

Construction is anticipated to begin in July, with completion expected in August 2027. This marks the county's first financing through the ISRF Program.