Animal Shelter | City of Pickering

New facility. Same mission. More lives saved.

The City’s current animal shelter is a small, leased facility that was originally intended as a temporary solution and no longer meets modern animal welfare standards or operational needs. Limited space, aging infrastructure, and a lack of dedicated areas for animal care, staff work, and public services restrict the shelter’s ability to safely accommodate animals and support growing community demand.

In 2024, a Facility Needs Assessment was conducted that outlines the need for a modern, purpose-built facility, the proposed site and design standards, and the recommendation to award consulting services for the project's design and construction administration.

Read more in Report CS 11-26.

About the New Shelter

The permanent shelter will be located on the lands immediately to the west of the Pickering Fire Station 1 & Headquarters, located at the northwest corner of Zents Drive and Brock Road.

The new Animal Shelter and MLES office site is approximately 3.2 acres and located centrally for improved public access and service response. Secure parking will be provided for fleet vehicles used by both Animal Services and MLES staff, and the visiting public. Forested wetlands located to the west will serve as a natural buffer between the new building and existing neighbourhoods, while also ensuring a suitably pastoral background setting. Preliminary concepts have already been reviewed with the Toronto Region and Conservation Authority (TRCA) to ensure the viability of the site.

The proposed facility is intended to meet the latest Net Zero Carbon - Design Standard (ZCB – Design) criteria in accordance with the requirements set by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). Net Zero Carbon Design is an objective of the City’s Corporate Energy Management Plan (CEMP) and is frequently required to qualify for senior government grant funding opportunities. Designing new facilities to this standard is essential for achieving environmental stewardship objectives, such as managing overall greenhouse gas emissions, especially as the city continues to grow.

Donate

Your contribution will bring us one step closer to building our permanent animal shelter here in Pickering. Tax receipts will be issued for donations over $20.

Donations may be made online or can be mailed or dropped off to:

Pickering Animal Services
Clerk's Office, City of Pickering
One The Esplanade
Pickering, ON, L1V 6K7