Layton Construction Begins Work on New Davis County Animal Shelter in Utah

A new 27,223-square-foot animal shelter is under construction in Fruit Heights, Utah, as Davis County replaces its aging animal care facility to expand capacity and improve conditions for animals. Layton Construction is leading the project, which is expected to be completed in mid-2028.

The replacement facility will serve as the county’s primary animal shelter, addressing limitations in the existing 11,000-square-foot building, which opened in 1985. The older facility has experienced unreliable mechanical and air-handling systems and lacks adequate space to quarantine and care for sick animals.

Highlights

• Layton Construction has begun building a 27,223-square-foot animal shelter in Fruit Heights, Utah.

• The project replaces an 11,000-square-foot facility built in 1985.

• The new shelter will accommodate 94 cats and 60 dogs.

• Planned features include a veterinary clinic, community education room and fenced exercise areas.

• Completion is expected in mid-2028.

New Facility Expands Animal Care Capacity

The replacement shelter will include dedicated veterinary care space, an educational community room and accommodation for up to 154 animals. Fenced exercise areas will also provide outdoor space for dogs.

The design incorporates animal-care features intended to reduce stress and improve the shelter environment. Larger, angled dog kennels will provide more space, while smaller kennel groupings are intended to limit noise.

The project will be built on the existing 12-acre shelter property. The current barn will remain in place and receive a new water connection.

Replacement Addresses Aging Infrastructure

The existing shelter's mechanical systems and air-handling equipment have become unreliable, while its limited layout makes it difficult to isolate and care for sick animals.

The new building will provide updated building systems and additional space to support daily animal care operations, veterinary services and community engagement.

Davis County Animal Care took in more than 5,000 animals last year, underscoring the demand for expanded shelter facilities in the county.

Why the Project Matters to Public Facility Construction

The project represents an investment in local government infrastructure designed to support growing animal care needs. For public owners and construction teams, the development also demonstrates how replacement facilities can address aging building systems while improving operational capacity and service delivery.

With construction underway on the existing 12-acre site, the new shelter is expected to provide Davis County with a larger and more functional facility when it opens in mid-2028.

Source: Layton Construction.