After raising millions of dollars, city officials are now moving ahead with plans for a new Ames Animal Services center.
The Ames City Council learned Tuesday the project has enough funding to continue design work and prepare for construction, thanks in part to millions of dollars in private donations.
The current animal shelter at 325 Billy Sunday Road is too small and has problems with aging equipment, weather protection and outdated systems, according to a staff report.
City staff began exploring options for replacing the shelter several years ago. In late 2024, officials identified a former daycare building as a possible new home, and the city later bought the property, 2715 Dayton Ave., for $1.1 million.
Council members learned in early 2025 that an anonymous donor pledged $3 million to support the project. Community fundraising efforts later added another $1.5 million.
The new facility will replace the name “Ames Animal Control” with “Ames Animal Services,” reflecting what city staff described as a broader focus on caring for animals and supporting the community.
Costs, new design for the animal shelter
The total estimated cost for the project is about $7.37 million.
Funding sources include city funds, donations and capital improvement money. Officials said designers adjusted plans to reduce costs while keeping important features in place.
Architects divided the planned building into three main sections for cats, dogs and people. Plans include a new 1,700-square-foot addition designed specifically for dog spaces.
The project also includes outdoor dog run areas connected directly to indoor spaces.
City leaders said sustainability was an important part of the design process. While geothermal heating was considered, officials determined it would cost too much. Instead, the building will use air source heat pumps and heat recovery systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The design also supports future solar panels if the city decides to add them.
Cost increases by $180k
Near the end of the design process, staff and donors decided the original layout for dog areas was not ideal. Updated plans will allow dogs to move directly from holding areas to outdoor yards through separate doors. The changes are expected to add nearly $179,000 to the project cost. Donors have agreed to cover those expenses, according to the report.
Construction documents are expected to be completed by June, with bidding scheduled for July and August. Construction could begin in summer 2026 and continue into spring 2027.
