Animals and staff have settled into their new digs and are excited to welcome members of the public into the new Ron and Sherrie Lou Noel Boone County Animal Shelter.

The building officially opened to the public on Saturday, March 16. County leaders, along with the donors, contractor and architect that made the project possible, were onsite to share a few words with the crowd and cut the ceremonial ribbon. Even Scooter the Neutered Cat of the Give Them Ten Movement was able to slyly slink into the photo.



Celebrating with Our Community
After the official ribbon cutting, the public was able to get a first peek inside the new facility. Fellow residents filtered through the public spaces of the building throughout the afternoon, sometimes successfully bartering with parents for a new member of their family.

The day was an overwhelming success, with at least three adoptions highlighting the event. Roughly 13 lucky animals left the shelter for their furever homes in the first week of the shelter’s new opening. The public is encouraged to stop by during open adoption hours to meet the animals in our care – and find your newest family member.

Adoption Hours
Monday-Friday: 12-6 p.m.
Saturday: 12-4 p.m.

Stop by the animal shelter during regular business hours to fill out a license, speak with an animal control officer or take advantage of our other services.

 Office Hours
Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday: 12-4 p.m.

Please keep in mind you will only be able to meet with adoptable animals during adoption hours.

Bringing An Idea to Life, Together

The shelter, which broke ground in August 2022, is the result of years of hard work, research and planning. Discussions for the shelter first began in 2015. A feasibility study was conducted to identify the needs of the shelter and community. That study was quickly followed by a funding prospectus to identify philanthropic interest in the project.

“Through the generosity of Ron and Sherrie Lou Noel and their willingness to quickly pledge the initial naming gift for the building, our staff’s plans became a reality,” shares Gary W. Moore, Boone County Judge/Executive. “We are very excited to welcome the public into the building this weekend.”

Staff were thrilled when another major donor was identified to support the shelter’s dedicated efforts to provide spay and neuter services to cats in our community.

“The Joanie Bernard Foundation pledged their support to help fund our goal of having a community vet clinic without relying on taxpayer funding. The clinic will offer low-cost veterinary services, including vaccines and spay and neuter services, for our residents starting later this year,” says Matthew Webster, County Administer for Boone County.

“It has been very rewarding to see that the community’s passion for delivering evidence-based, quality animal care services match our own dedication for providing those services,” finishes Webster.

More than $3 million was raised from private donations, including thousands from animal lovers and advocates in our community.

Colleen Bray, Animal Services Director at Boone County, may have been one of the few who was not surprised by the community’s enthusiasm for the new shelter.

“The services provided by animal shelters today are very different than they were even just a decade ago,” she says. “Our new shelter is designed to help keep families and pets together. Yes, we have more open and spacious areas for pets in our care, but our ultimate goal is to provide education, support and resources to Boone County residents who want to keep their pets but may be experiencing a few challenges.”

This new shelter reflects the innovations and best practices in animal care, including:

• Infection prevention measures to keep animals healthy and reduce the spread of disease.
• Animal enrichment features to ease anxiety and help animals better assimilate to their new, temporary home.
• Community resources, including a pet food bank, education space and other support available to County residents.
• Dedicated clinic and surgical areas to deliver medical services to animals in our care.
• Natural light, bright colors and intentional design elements to develop a welcoming space for the community and our pet friends.

Be Part of Our Future
The new Boone County Animal Shelter – and its Animal Services staff – continue to plan for an exciting future. Plans include a community veterinary clinic that will open later this year, dividing the current dog play yard to accommodate multiple pup playgroups, and a lean-to barn and small pasture to care for large animals and livestock that occasionally need support.

The shelter is also currently training new volunteers. Learn what it takes to be a volunteer, and sign up for training. Be sure to check back as more dates are added for volunteer orientation.

About Boone County Animal Services
Boone County Animal Services works hard to keep animals and families together. They provide resources and support to those struggling to care for animals, and offer compassionate, humane care when an animal needs a new home.

The team at Boone County receives more than 3,000 animals each year, and processes 1,500 adoptions/transfers – with each adoptable animal staying comfortable and happy in our care as long as it takes to find their forever home.

In addition to adoption services, Boone County Animal Services provides animal control, foster programs, community outreach and education, pet licensing, community cat programs and much more. Learn more about our services