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Ocala
Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Play area expanded for shelter dogs in Marion County

Local shelter dogs now have more room to play outdoors thanks to a recent expansion by Marion County Animal Services.

On Friday, March 1, Animal Services announced that funds have been allocated to help nearly double the capacity of its play yards.

Marion County Animal Services expands play area BEFORE aerial photo (Animal Services)
An aerial shot of Animal Services’ play yards prior to the expansion. (Photo: Marion County Animal Services)

“Previously we only had 4 play yards, which were huge in size but they significantly limited the number of dogs that could enjoy outdoor time,” stated Animal Services on social media.

Marion County Animal Services expands play area AFTER aerial photo (Animal Services)
The Marion County Animal Services Facilities Management department helped make the expanded play area a reality. (Photo: Marion County Animal Services)

With the expansion, Animal Services stated that it now has “ample” and “appropriately sized” yards adjacent to each other that can be safely used to run playgroups, an “absolutely lifesaving enrichment program” for the dogs in the county’s care.

Animal Services volunteers will now have more room to exercise, socialize, and enrich the lives of the shelter dogs while they await their forever homes.

Marion County Animal Services expands play area dogs running around 2(Animal Services)
Dogs roaming the newly expanded play yard. (Photo: Marion County Animal Services)

Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone stated that the expanded play area is “just one piece of our puzzle to help alleviate kennel stress, frustration, and boredom while enriching our pup’s lives with the opportunities as we move forward to the wonderful opening of our brand-new shelter.”

According to Commissioner Stone, Marion County’s new animal shelter is expected to open in December of 2025.

Animal Services is currently facing an “urgent situation” due to overcrowding at its current shelter, which is located at 5701 SE 66th Street in Ocala.

Marion animal shelter overcrowded after taking in over 50 dogs from cruelty case
Marion County Animal Services has numerous dogs that are looking for forever homes. (Photos: Marion County Animal Services)

Last month, Marion County was awarded custody of 53 dogs that were rescued from deplorable conditions in an Ocala home. As of February 5, Animal Services had more than 400 animals in their care, including those 53 dogs, and their shelter continues to be in urgent need of adopters, fosters, and volunteers.

For more information, or to view the animals that are currently available for adoption, visit the Marion County Animal Services website.