FMD Architects provided animal shelter design services for the Humane Society of Summit County in Ohio, creating a new 25,000-square-foot facility designed to support animal rescue, veterinary care, adoption services, and community engagement.

The thoughtfully planned animal welfare facility addresses the growing need for safe, functional environments where rescued animals can receive medical attention, rehabilitation, and compassionate care while awaiting adoption.

A key component of the design is the efficient organization of animal intake, medical treatment, and housing areas. Animals entering the facility have convenient access to essential care spaces, allowing shelter personnel to respond effectively to their medical and daily care needs.

The adoption process was carefully developed around the organization’s specific operational requirements. The layout creates welcoming spaces for visitors and potential adopters while maintaining separation between public areas and staff-only animal care environments.

Project Features

• Veterinary surgery center
• Pharmacy
• X-ray facilities
• Veterinary treatment rooms
• Dedicated dog and cat recovery areas
• Isolation rooms separated from healthy animals
• Flexible spaces for community events, classes, and training
• Indoor and outdoor animal play areas
• Meet-and-greet rooms for prospective adopters
• Separate employee entrance and dedicated office areas

Through thoughtful animal shelter design, FMD Architects created a facility that balances animal health and well-being, efficient shelter operations, and positive adoption experiences.

The Humane Society of Summit County project demonstrates FMD’s experience designing comprehensive animal welfare facilities that integrate veterinary medical services, animal housing, and community-focused spaces under one roof.