Nov 6, 2025 - News
Shelter upgrade
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D.C. shelter pets now have a fancy new facility to call (temporary) home.
Why it matters: The $19.5 million complex in Southwest D.C. is the first District-owned animal shelter and hospital — and is a major step in the city's overhaul of its animal control.
🐾 Paw-sh digs: The 150-capacity shelter replaces the city's decades-old, dilapidated one by Ivy City. Amenities include:
- Expanded dog and cat housing with indoor/outdoor play yards.
- An ICU for emergency care, once outsourced.
- Nearly 10,000 square feet of clinic space with advanced equipment and specialty surgeries.
- More spay/neuter capacity and a large community room for training and humane education.
The intrigue: Adoption fees are waived through Sunday as pets need homes during the move.
Between the lines: The new facility is run by Brandywine Valley SPCA, which took over the city's animal control from the Humane Rescue Alliance earlier this year.