Local shelter dogs now have more room to play outdoors thanks to a recent expansion by Marion County Animal Services.
On Friday, March 1, Animal Services announced that funds have been allocated to help nearly double the capacity of its play yards.
“Previously we only had 4 play yards, which were huge in size but they significantly limited the number of dogs that could enjoy outdoor time,” stated Animal Services on social media.
With the expansion, Animal Services stated that it now has “ample” and “appropriately sized” yards adjacent to each other that can be safely used to run playgroups, an “absolutely lifesaving enrichment program” for the dogs in the county’s care.
Animal Services volunteers will now have more room to exercise, socialize, and enrich the lives of the shelter dogs while they await their forever homes.
Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone stated that the expanded play area is “just one piece of our puzzle to help alleviate kennel stress, frustration, and boredom while enriching our pup’s lives with the opportunities as we move forward to the wonderful opening of our brand-new shelter.”
According to Commissioner Stone, Marion County’s new animal shelter is expected to open in December of 2025.
Animal Services is currently facing an “urgent situation” due to overcrowding at its current shelter, which is located at 5701 SE 66th Street in Ocala.
Last month, Marion County was awarded custody of 53 dogs that were rescued from deplorable conditions in an Ocala home. As of February 5, Animal Services had more than 400 animals in their care, including those 53 dogs, and their shelter continues to be in urgent need of adopters, fosters, and volunteers.
For more information, or to view the animals that are currently available for adoption, visit the Marion County Animal Services website.