NEWPORT BEACH, Calif—The new Newport Beach Animal Shelter opened May 26 after six years of fundraising and $2.5 million raised for its construction.
The shelter replaces the city’s old animal shelter, and sits adjacent to the old facility. Private funding for the shelter was facilitated by the non-profit Friends of Newport Beach Animal Shelter, then handed over to the city.
“This is a great group of people from all walks of life that made this project happen,” Newport Beach Mayor Noah Blom said before the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I am so thankful for the work that went on here.”
And as dozens of people gathered for the grand opening ceremony, the barking of excited dogs filled the air.
The shelter is in an apparent residential neighborhood but surrounded by animal daycare kennels.
“This is actually the only street in Newport Beach zoned for animal shelters,” City Councilwoman and Friends of Newport Beach Animal Shelter’s Robyn Grant told The Epoch Times.
The shelter is a 1,600-square-foot building with a 750-square-foot kennel to house dogs, cats, and other animals and has two front-yard animal greeting areas along with an enclosed animal exercise area.
Its creation is due to over 1,500 donations totaling $2.5 million, according to Friends of Newport Beach Animal Shelter officials.
The Newport Beach Animal Control will use the new facility for operations, which will also be staffed by Friends of Newport Beach Animal Shelter volunteers.
Both will assist with animal adoptions, veterinary services, animal control, dog licensing, wildlife management, and offer animal behavioral training.
The new shelter is located at 20302 Riverside Drive, Newport Beach.
