‘A new standard of care’

Marion County opened its new Animal Services complex at 6405 W. State Road 40 in Ocala with a celebration and ribbon cutting on May 21, 2026. [Photo by Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]

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Posted May 25, 2026 | By Andy Fillmore, [email protected]

Rayman, a 10-week-old neutered male kitten, got lots of attention as hundreds of visitors toured the new Marion County Animal Services complex in northwest Ocala during a grand opening celebration on May 21, 2026.  

Rayman reacted to one visitor with big-eyed looks and playful paws.

The new complex is located at 6405 W. State Road 40, just northwest of the Ocala International Airport, on a 20-acre donated tract. It consists of a 29,000-square-foot administrative, adoptive and veterinary building, and four outrigger buildings, each containing 50 spacious dog kennels, which are expandable to double their size and have special drains. There are more than 80 feline enclosures.  The facility’s electrical power system has an emergency backup component.

The celebration saw at least 350 people gather for a ribbon cutting and look at the new buildings and to learn about services offered for cats and dogs. Representatives of the builder, city and county government, and animal welfare agencies were on hand.  

The complex, which had a budget of $24 million, features the phrase “For the love of people and pets” in large lettering at the entrance. 

“(The new facility) reflects the values of our community,” said County Commission Chairman Carl Zalak III in opening remarks.

Commissioner Kathy Bryant told the audience the new complex was the result of “years of vision, collaboration and compassion,” and explained how the 2019 expansion of the penny sales tax to cover that type of expenditure and 2020 voter approval propelled the project forward.  

Erik Anderson, vice president of D.E. Scorpio Corporation of Gainesville, the project’s general contractor, spoke of the collaborative effort to complete the project and the “promise” of dignity and compassion for animals in the county.   

Kyra Lynch, director of Marion County Animal Services, said the “amazing” new facility offered “hope” and a new standard of care. 

Commissioner Michelle Stone told the gathering that the strength of the community is seen in how it “cares for those who can’t speak for themselves.” 

Commissioner Craig Curry and Rep. Ryan Chamberlin were on hand for the event. Marion County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes was recognized for his part in the project.

Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano led the assembly in the pledge of allegiance. A portion of the complex is located inside city limits and the building permit was handled by the city of Ocala.  

Two supporters of the project, referred to by a speaker only as “Angel” and “Jerry,” were recognized.  

In 2025, Marion County Animal Services handled 4,154 pet adoptions, had 22,812 animal control responses and spayed or neutered 2,301 cats, according to its website. The department also helps with lost and found cats and dogs.  

The path to a new facility began in 2018, with recommendations from a University of Florida Shelter Medicine Team about increased space as animal stays lengthened, the department website indicates. 

County records indicate buildings at the former Animal Services site date back to the late 1990s. 

Marion County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Eric DeAngelis was at the celebration with his K-9 Alvie and Animal Services volunteer Larry Ware had dog Twiggy out to mingle with the crowd.  

Marion County Animal Control Officer Makayla Golden was one of the hosts who greeted guests like Sandee and Tom Franz of Ocala to the kennel buildings.

Sandee Franz said the couple have been waiting for the new facility to open. She played with a 2-year-old neutered male brown and white dog named P. J.

“We’re looking,” she said. 

To learn about adoption, fostering and more, go to animal services.marionfl.org