Fruit Heights · November 5, 2026
Davis County breaks ground on new animal shelter with Layton Construction
Animal Care of Davis County has broken ground on a new animal shelter in Fruit Heights, joining Layton Construction, Studio Miers | Chou | Poon, Davis County commissioners, staff, and community members for a groundbreaking ceremony announced Nov. 5, 2026.
The planned 27,223-square-foot facility will replace the county’s aging 11,000-square-foot shelter, which was built in 1985 and remodeled in 2003, according to a press release from Animal Care of Davis County carried by Utah Business. Officials said a feasibility study more than five years ago found the mechanical systems and air handling units are aged and unreliable, and that the existing building lacks enough space to quarantine and care for sick animals.
The new shelter will sit on the same 12-acre campus as the current facility. Design highlights listed by Animal Care of Davis County include a veterinary clinic, an educational community room, more kennel space, and fenced exercise areas. The release said larger kennels and smaller kennel groupings are intended to reduce stress and noise for dogs, aligning the building with current animal-care practice.
“Davis County’s population has steadily grown for decades. With that growth we’ve also seen a significant increase in animals needing care,” Davis County Commissioner Lorene Kamalu said in the announcement. “The new animal shelter represents what our community expects: successful programs, humane care, and fiscal responsibility.”
Director Michelle Hicks of Animal Care of Davis County said the floor plan expands capacity for vulnerable pets while creating welcoming spaces for families to connect, volunteer, and adopt. Layton Construction Executive Vice President Jeff Palmer said the contractor is “honored to once again partner with Davis County” on a project that builds for animals needing a home.
Architecture is by Studio Miers | Chou | Poon, a firm the release describes as specializing in domestic animal-care facilities. The existing barn on the site will remain with a new water connection. Construction is expected to finish in mid-2028, Animal Care of Davis County said.
At a glance: GC: Layton Construction · Architect: Studio Miers | Chou | Poon · Size: 27,223 SF (replacing ~11,000 SF) · Site: same 12 acres, Fruit Heights · Target: mid-2028 completion
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