County of Santa Clara Animal Services Center

The County of Santa Clara Animal Care and Control Department needed to replace their makeshift former donated residence which had several additions and portables, into an adequate home for the area’s needy animals. The new facility enables the County to handle specialty surgeries, conduct livestock rehabilitation, promote adoptions, and maintain a 94% live-release rate, one of California’s highest.

The County’s new Animal Services Center has capacity for 54 dogs and 90 cats, with spaces for other types including small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs and birds. To house and highlight larger livestock animals, a barn is situated along the main building frontage, increasing its visibility. Prominent interior glass walls and a central courtyard in the state-of-the-art 37,000-square-foot building highlight animals and community engagement spaces. Taking a distinct departure from traditional shelter design, dog kennels are organized around an outdoor landscaped courtyard named “The Park.” Together with surrounding “Get Acquainted” pods, the experience offers a bright and open area to meet and greet potential pets in a natural park-like environment.

Another key solution this project provides is its large educational meeting facility. Not only will animal-specific community events be held there, but other County agencies are able to utilize the assembly space for conferences and gatherings up to 150 occupants—a resource they previously lacked.

County of Santa Clara Animal Services Center is designed to achieve LEED Silver certification.