On April 1st, Orange County officially broke ground on its new Animal Services shelter—marking a significant milestone for the community and the start of construction on a facility designed to transform how animal care is delivered. At The Collage Companies, we are honored to serve as the construction partner bringing this important project to life.
Shown Here: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Orange County Board of Commissioners Representatives, Rob Maphis, President of the The Collage Companies and the Collage OCAS project team.
Every animal that enters Orange County Animal Services has a story. Some arrive frightened and unsure. Some have known loss. Others are simply waiting for a second chance. What they all share is a need for safety, compassion, and care—right when they need it most.
Across the country, that need is immense. Each year, an estimated 6.3 million dogs and cats enter animal shelters, including more than 3 million dogs searching for comfort, healing, and a place to belong. Here in Florida, hundreds of thousands of animals arrive at shelters annually, reinforcing the importance of environments that support health, reduce stress, and give every animal the best possible chance at a new beginning.
For Orange County, caring for animals isn’t a side mission—it’s a community responsibility. While intake numbers have evolved over time, the need for thoughtful, high-quality care remains constant. The decision to build a new shelter reflects a simple truth: how we care for the most vulnerable says everything about who we are as a community.
Why a New Shelter Is Needed
The existing OCAS facility has served Orange County faithfully for decades. But built for a much smaller population and a different era of animal care, the shelter no longer meets the demands of today’s needs—or tomorrow’s expectations.
As the county’s only open-admission shelter, OCAS accepts every stray animal regardless of health, age, or circumstance. That responsibility brings volume, complexity, and urgency. On peak days, dozens of animals arrive needing immediate care, climate-controlled space, medical attention, and calm environments that reduce stress and improve outcomes.
At the groundbreaking, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings spoke to both the evolution of the community and the growing expectations around animal care—emphasizing why this new facility is not just needed, but long overdue. He reflected on the existing shelter, built in 1987, and how both the County and the field of animal services have changed significantly since that time.
With more than 15,000 animals entering the shelter each year—and daily intake surging during peak seasons—the current facility has been outpaced by both demand and the level of care the community expects. This new shelter is designed to meet that need, supporting staff, enhancing the visitor experience, and creating an environment where every animal receives thoughtful, compassionate care.
“The current building that stands just feet away was completed in 1987 and was considered modern. A lot has changed since then. We’ve welcomed millions more residents to our community, and we’ll continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The standard of care we want to provide for homeless pets, and that our community expects us to provide, has changed significantly. The growth of the shelter’s services, goals and staffing have outpaced this existing shelter.” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings
Leading with Purpose
The new Orange County Animal Services shelter represents a long-term investment in humane care. At more than 123,000 square feet, the two-story, fully air-conditioned facility is projected to become the largest animal shelter in the state of Florida.
Dogs will be housed on the first floor, cats on the second, creating calmer, species-specific environments. The design incorporates principles from the Fear Free Shelters model, helping reduce anxiety, limit disease transmission, and create healthier spaces for animals and caregivers alike.
Where Collage Comes In: Building the Vision
Following the County’s vision and planning, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners awarded the $49 million construction contract to The Collage Companies—entrusting our team to bring this complex, mission-driven project to life.
At Collage, we approach projects like this with a deep understanding that what we build impacts lives. From healthcare and education to civic and community spaces, our role is to ensure that every detail supports the people—and in this case, the animals—who will rely on it every day.
“At Collage, we are proud to build projects that strengthen the foundation and fabric of the community. This groundbreaking marks the beginning of a facility that will serve Orange County for generations—supporting care, compassion, and second chances for every animal that comes through its doors.”
— Rob Maphis, President – The Collage Companies
Building Toward a Better Tomorrow
Construction is now underway at the existing OCAS site near the Mall at Millenia. When finished, the new shelter will stand as a reflection of Orange County’s commitment to compassionate care—delivered through thoughtful design and brought to life through strong community partnership.
In The News: