Major Expansion Completed At Manatee County Animal Welfare Facility

BRADENTON, FL — A major kennel expansion has been completed at the Bishop Animal Center, 5718 21st Ave. in Bradenton, Manatee County Animal Welfare said in a news release.

A ribbon cutting at the facility will take place Dec. 17 at 11 a.m.

“This investment significantly enhances safety, comfort, medical care, enrichment and adoptability for the pets in the county’s care and is a central component of MCAW’s long-term strategy to modernize its shelter system and responsibly transition operations away from the aging, legacy Palmetto Shelter,” officials said in the news release.

With this expansion, the Bishop location will serve as the department’s primary hub for animal care, treatment and enrichment.

The upgrades more than doubled outdoor play and exercise space at the campus, strengthened its safety and security features, and shifted focus to on-site veterinary care as the center of the facility’s daily operations, MCAW said.

The kennels themselves also saw significant improvements, including air conditioned dog dormitories, storm-grade shade structures, specialized pet-hair filtration systems and improved drainage.

The expansion also introduces a mix of standard and extra-large transitional kennels built for short-term housing.

“This expansion strengthens Manatee County’s commitment to compassionate, modern animal welfare,” Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse said. “The enhanced Bishop campus sets a new standard for humane care — ensuring animals spend less time in kennels and more time healing, playing and finding their forever homes. This is the future of sheltering in Manatee County, and I’m proud the county could help make it happen.”

In addition to the Bishop and Palmetto facilities, MCAW also operates Cat Town at 216 6th Ave. E. in Bradenton.