Cochise County Looking to Build New County Run Animal Shelter

I'm going to admit something to you: I've had several purebred dogs in my life. But here's the catch - I've never once purchased a dog.

I have only ever adopted animals, and that includes all of my dogs, cats, and I even adopted my horses.

My Horse Babies - Dakota and Cherokee. Credit: Val Davidson/TSM

I love to visit our local animal shelters, and I have a soft spot for the Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center in Sierra Vista. As wonderful as the staff and volunteers are in Sierra Vista, they can't do it alone. They work with the other shelters across Cochise County, so it's a relief to learn that the county will finally be getting a new shelter to help alleviate some of the pressure.

Get our free mobile app

Arleen from the SV Animal Shelter. Photo by Val Davidson/TSM // Canva

Why Cochise County Needs A New Animal Shelter

I was surprised to learn that Cochise County has never had its own county-run animal shelter. The Cochise County Sheriff has its own animal control division. Without a facility, it puts a ton of pressure on city shelters like Sierra Vista's animal care center.

There are many times the shelter finds itself bursting at the seams, but they're not alone. Shelters across the county are frequently in the same boat.

READ: What Jerry's Law Means for Animals in Arizona

My Custom Blended Dogs, Nilla and Latte. / Photos by Val Davidson/TSM

When deputies pick up animals outside the city limits, they often have nowhere to take them. Believe it or not, there are times the deputies end up taking them home just so the animals aren’t left stranded. The system is long overdue for an upgrade.

Building a New Cochise County Animal Shelter

Huachuca City once had an animal shelter, but it closed in December 2018 due to a small electrical fire. The closure put additional burden on the remaining shelters.

There's good news on the horizon: Cochise County is working to purchase a building in Huachuca City and convert it into the first official county shelter.

READ: How To Support Sierra Vista's Animal Care Center With Recycling

Leslie Banks

How Much Will The New Shelter Cost, and Where Might It Go?

Nothing is set in stone yet, but the county is looking at the Huachuca City building as the likely location.

The total cost of the new shelter, which includes buying the building and running the shelter, is estimated to be around $3 million.

Jupiterimages

If approved, the facility would include up to 40 kennels plus space for livestock, giving Cochise County its first real, centralized place to care for animals in need.

Check out Cochise County New Animal Shelter Supporters on Facebook:

Cuteness Warning! Here are Arizona's Top 11 Favorite Dog Breeds

You'll fall in love with at least one of the dogs on our list! You've been warned!

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson

Here's What Locals Say Cochise County Has Too Much Of

We asked what you think Cochise County has too much of, and these were your top answers. We combined similar answers and put them under a broad heading. Here is the breakdown based on 100 responses.

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM