Berkeley Humane Breaks Ground For New Animal Center

BERKELEY, CA — A new resource center is coming to town, and animal well-being is its priority, Berkeley Humane announced Saturday.

Dubbed the Bay Area Animal Resource Center, it will “reimagine animal sheltering and well-being across the region, providing pets, families, and community partners with greater resources and access to vital care,” said Berkeley Humane officials.

City of Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii, community leaders and supporters came together for a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday. The event took place at Berkeley Humane’s former 90-year-old shelter, where construction on the new center is underway.

“This groundbreaking is more than the start of a building, it’s the start of a new era in how we care for animals and the people who love them,” said Jeffrey Zerwekh, executive director of Berkeley Humane. “With BAARC, we will be able to save more lives, provide more services, and strengthen our role as a resource for the entire Bay Area, and beyond.”

Slated as a multi-year project, “phase 1” is scheduled to open at the corner of Ninth and Carlton Streets in 2027, according to Berkeley Humane staff.

The center will house various features, including a 6,000 square-foot medical and adoption center; a 2,500 square-foot dog pavilion and courtyard; a cat care lounge; surgical suites, recovery areas and pharmacy services; and behavior, social and educational training services, they shared.

“From the very beginning, our Board has shared a bold vision: to create a place where animals can truly thrive,” said Daniel Lang, president of Berkeley Humane’s Board of Directors. “BAARC embodies that vision—combining innovation, best practices, and deep community trust to elevate the quality of life for pets and their families. With this new campus, we are not only meeting today’s needs but shaping a brighter future for generations to come.”

For more information about the Bay Area Animal Resource Center and to support the project, go here.

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