Nearly five years ago, an accidental electrical fire occurred at the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando’s Conroy Road shelter. The fire destroyed the building, killing 17 cats while 71 pets were rescued.
With years of construction, fundraising, preparation and planning, the nonprofit organization is opening a new facility in Central Florida. The shelter has more than 100 volunteers and is the home to the Kylie J. Capri Campus and Edward H. Hensley Adoption Center.
The $15 million building was designed by Borrelli + Partners and constructed by H.J. High.
I had a sneak-peek opportunity during a media-preview event at the Pet Alliance’s 25,000-square-foot building on Wednesday morning. I was impressed with the facility’s expanded and modern offerings!
Thanks to generous donors, the spacious facility can house 275 pets, and has numerous, amazing amenities, including air conditioning for dogs and cats, a state-of-the art surgical suite to treat ill and injured pets, which is the largest shelter medical unit in Florida, bonding cubicles, kennels, indoor and outdoor play areas and a multipurpose room for meeting rentals and cuddle time. Room rental rates are to be announced.
“We are going to be able to provide more resources to our community, including our medical space and pet food pantry along with finding loving homes for our dogs and cats,” said Interim Director Lindsay Framstead.
In addition, the shelter has a disease-specific quarantine area for dogs and cats to reduce the potential for transmission.
The facility will also have a vegetable and herb garden for enrichment and natural treats and a memorial and serenity area. The ashes of the 17 cats who passed away during the fire will be spread in the memorial section on a future date.
The Pet Alliance will be having a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, March 28 at 10 a.m. followed by a grand-opening “pawty” for the public at its new shelter, located at 4311 S. John Young Parkway in Orlando, from noon to 3 p.m. The event will include pet adoptions, activities, a DJ spinning the beats, food trucks and merchandise.
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