Phase 1 of Bishop Animal Shelter expansion project to be complete next week

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — It’s a major upgrade for Manatee County’s four-legged residents and the families waiting to meet them.

Manatee County Animal Welfare is nearing completion on the first phase of a multi-million-dollar expansion project, one that’s set to eventually replace the county’s aging Palmetto shelter.

Manatee County Animal Welfare is getting a much-needed boost at its Bishop Animal Shelter.

“This is needed because of our outdated shelter in Palmetto,” said Michael Strollo, Community & Veterans Services Communications Coordinator for Manatee County.

He said crews are building a modernized campus featuring eight kennel buildings, an adoption center, expanded play yards and room for more features in the future.

“Each kennel building will have a cleaning station and a water station. We have new fire-suppression systems for all the kennels to ensure safety for all of our animals,” he explained. “And the kennels themselves have indoor and outdoor runs.”

Fifteen dogs can be housed in each building, and the plan is to transition all dogs from the Palmetto shelter to this site by the end of the year.

And the play yards there are more than double the size of those at the Palmetto location, part of a campus-wide investment in enrichment and comfort.

“Modern things that include fiber run throughout the property, upgraded security systems, cameras,” Strollo said. “Even just having water at every single play yard.”

Local leaders, including Manatee County Board Chairman George Kruse, say improving animal welfare has been one of the community’s top concerns.

“We have a shelter up in Palmetto that has been band-aided year after year and is in inadequate condition,” Kruse said. “Fortunately, Bishop Animal Shelter was graciously donated to us years ago, which led to this unique opportunity allowing us to expand and completely eliminate Palmetto.”

These upgrades are all about giving dogs a safe, temporary home, one where they can heal, play and connect with future families.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly expanded Bishop Animal Shelter will take place Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 11 a.m.