Birmingham, Alabama – New Animal Control Facility Coming Soon
Birmingham residents can look forward to a significant upgrade in the city’s animal control services as Jefferson County is set to break ground on a new animal control facility in the coming weeks. The current facility, located on 5th Avenue North in Woodlawn, has been deemed inadequate by county officials, who have expressed the need for a more modern and spacious structure.
County Manager Outlines the Vision
Jefferson County Manager Cal Markert emphasized the importance of the new facility during a recent announcement. He acknowledged that the existing center “is old and undersized,” which has created challenges for staff and animals alike. In response, the county has procured a new site on Lakeshore Parkway, conveniently situated near the Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS).
Markert mentioned that the redesign process took about two years and has culminated in a budget of around $13 million set aside in the 2025 fiscal year for construction purposes. He is optimistic about how this investment will benefit not only the animal residents but also the community at large.
Designing for Safety and Efficiency
During the planning stages, a priority was placed on ensuring the facility would meet the needs of both staff and animals. Markert stated that the new building will feature a number of improvements, especially regarding kennel size and layout. He said, “We put a lot of effort into designing it so that if a disease breaks out, we can hopefully keep it encapsulated in one piece of the facility and the rest of it stays safe because that continues to be an issue from time to time.”
With advances in animal care becoming a critical issue, the design aims to enhance both health and humane treatment. The layout is expected to streamline animal intake and processing, thereby improving overall care for the animals in Jefferson County.
Next Steps for Construction
Bids for the construction have already been opened, and work will commence soon. Markert is eager for the contractor to begin, anticipating that construction will lead to a more efficient operation of animal control services once completed.
Collaboration with the Humane Society
Even though Jefferson County will own the facility, day-to-day operations will be managed by the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. This partnership is intended to ensure that the animals receive the highest standard of care while promoting community engagement and awareness about pet adoption and responsible ownership.
Community Impact and Anticipation
This new facility will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Birmingham and surrounding areas. Residents can expect better conditions for homeless and neglected animals as increased capacity will allow for more rescues and adoptions. In addition, the community will benefit from enhanced educational resources about animal welfare, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the county and the GBHS.
As construction progresses, many in the community are eager to see the change this project will bring. From improved animal living conditions to enhanced services for pet owners, the new animal control facility is a step towards a more humane future in Birmingham. For more updates on the construction timeline and facility specifics, residents are encouraged to stay connected with county announcements.
