Placer County Animal Services Center

The Placer County Animal Services Center replaces an existing 40+ year old shelter in north Auburn, California. It is a welcoming destination for visitors focused on animal wellness, care, and education.

The entire facility is designed to encourage people to quickly bond with adoptable animals in light-filled, transparent spaces that are engaging for all ages. Thoughtfully arranged in a compact plan, the program areas promote enhanced operational efficiency, flexibility, safety, and flow. Emphasizing public access and community visibility, the new Center is situated close to Avenue B, on the western edge of the Placer County Government Center in Auburn. The building has a patio outside the event center, bicycle racks near the front entrance, and a large, separately-accessible agility yard for the dogs.

The site is designed to protect the native habitat, trees, and open space for existing wildlife. A barn and paddock are situated in the southeast corner of the site with the ability to house horses, donkeys, cows, sheep and goats.

Integrated inside the facility are the latest best practices for disease control, odor control, and acoustics to promote health, reduce stress, and create a calming environment for both animals and people. The Center includes expanded spaces for dogs small and large, domesticated cats, feral cats, small mammals like rabbits, and exotics like geckos. A new animal clinic with a separate entrance is also part the new Center, specifically for animals residing at the Center. The new Center also includes a small store inside the lobby, called Retails, which sells items for adoptive owners, and products specifically branded by the Placer County Animal Services Center.

In 2017, the Design-Build Institute of America, Western Pacific Region awarded the project both a Design Excellence award and a Distinction Award.

Placer County Animal Services Center is certified LEED Gold by the USGBC.