Architectural and Engineering Services - New Escambia County Animal Welfare Facility

The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners (County), is soliciting Requests for Quote (RFQ) from qualified Architectural and Engineering (A/E) firms to provide professional design and construction administration services for the new Escambia County Animal Welfare Facility. The proposed facility will be an approximately 50,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art complex to serve the needs of the Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare, including animal intake, new programs, adoption, veterinary services, administrative offices, and public interaction areas.

The new animal shelter will provide a significantly larger and more suitable environment for the care and housing of animals. This modern facility will accommodate more animals, ensuring they live in better conditions and receive the care they need. Furthermore, an improved and accessible shelter has the potential to boost adoption rates, positively impacting both the animals and the community. This project reflects the Escambia County's commitment to animal welfare and the betterment of our County’s public services.

The construction of a new animal welfare facility in Escambia County Florida is a critical and timely initiative driven by the increasing demand for animal services in our community. The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare currently operates within a facility that is functionally outdated and no longer capable of meeting the operational requirements of the Department or the needs and expectations of the community it serves. Constructed in 1997, the existing building was originally designed as a temporary holding facility for stray animals and does not align with current best practices or industry standards in modern animal welfare operations.

The County intends to procure professional Architectural and Engineering services for the design of a new, state-of-the-art Animal Welfare Facility that will adequately support the Department’s mission. The new facility shall provide appropriate, durable, and humane housing for canines, felines, and other small animals as necessary. The design shall include specialized areas for veterinary services and medical treatment, indoor and outdoor exercise and play yards, adoption and meet-and-greet rooms, and dedicated evaluation and training spaces. Additionally, the facility shall incorporate sufficient administrative and operational areas, including staff offices, conference and meeting rooms, employee break areas, and adequate storage accommodations to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable operations.