SHIRLEY, Ill. (WMBD) — The McLean County Animal Services, formally known as the McLean County Animal Control, announced on Wednesday that it will be transferring to a brand-new facility.
The new facility is located at 13060 East 850 North Rd., which is about a mile from the former shelter, a McLean County Animal Services news release said.
It was built on 10 acres of land previously owned by the Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District. Staff recently finished relocating from the former facility built in 1993.
“We are still getting settled, but happy to finally be here,” Marshell Thomson, McLean County Animal Services Director, said. “The former building had about 5,000 square feet and could hold a maximum of 90 cats and dogs. The new building offers about 11,000 square feet, which increases our capacity significantly.”
The new facility has many upgrades, including better separation for sick and injured animals, a “state-of-the-art” air filtration system and increased office space.
The new space and features are expected to make a better environment for the animals and make them more adoptable.
“We are committed to doing our best to help the animals in our care and to provide them with compassion while addressing their medical needs,” Thomson said. “We are truly grateful for the community’s united support as we begin this new chapter with McLean County Animal Services. Our goal is to quickly get them adopted into loving forever homes.”
The facility cost about $7 million, of which about $4 million came from American Rescue Plan Act funds. The rest of the money came from pre-approved bonds.
Those interested in adopting animals can learn more here.
WMBD TV can be reached at News@WJBC.com.
