Stamford Breaks Ground On New Animal Control Facility

STAMFORD, CT — City officials on Oct. 15 broke ground on a new Stamford Animal Control facility.

Located right behind the current building at 201 Magee Ave. which was built in the 1970s, the new 8,000-square-foot facility will feature 20 dog kennels with interior runs, quarantine, and isolation areas; dedicated cat housing with an outdoor "catio;" modern office space with multipurpose training rooms and adoption areas; new landscaping, a dog walking park and improved drainage, according to Mayor Caroline Simmons.

Construction of the new facility is scheduled to take place from October 2025 through May 2027. The project was designed by Rauhaus, Freedenfeld & Associates, with BRD Builders serving as the contractor.

The facility will be fully operational during construction, which is taking place at the rear of the Magee Avenue site.

"This long overdue project represents a major investment in our city," said Simmons in a news release.

"The new animal control center will not only enhance the safety and well-being of animals in Stamford’s care but also provide a safer and more functional workplace for our Animal Control officers, staff, and the many volunteers who power the city’s rescue and adoption efforts," Simmons added. "I want to thank all the city officials who have been involved in advancing this project, the Board of Representatives and the Board of Finance for their support, and the SASA (Stamford Animal Shelter Alliance) volunteers who have worked tirelessly to secure support and awareness for this project."

The new facility has been years in the making

SASA was created in 2015 by the City of Stamford. The group is a 501(c)(3) which has served as the official fundraising and advocacy arm of the Animal Control & Care Center.

Comprised of city officials along with dedicated community volunteers, SASA has been instrumental in advocating and planning for the new animal shelter so that it comports with current standards of care for shelter animals.

"Today’s groundbreaking on the new animal shelter is a milestone event for our city," said Nancy Freedman, Board Chair of the Stamford Animal Shelter Alliance, in a news release.

"Animal control plays a vital role in our community and the animals in our care, along with the shelter staff, volunteers and community at large deserve a new facility that fixes the inadequacies of our current shelter, reduces the stress on the animals, meets current standards of care and provides a bright and welcoming environment for all to enjoy. On behalf of the entire SASA board, we are grateful to all who supported this project and who worked tirelessly to bring us to this day."