CASPER, WY — City officials and community volunteers broke ground Thursday, Nov. 5, on a brand‑new Metro Animal Services building that promises a more humane, efficient approach to animal care for Casper and surrounding areas.
Why a new shelter is needed
Metro Animal Services Manager Jodi Becker, who has overseen the shelter for two years, said the current 40‑year‑old facility can no longer meet the needs of modern animal welfare or the growing demand from residents. “While it has served us well, the reality is that it can no longer meet the needs of modern welfare or the growing demands of our community,” Becker explained at the ceremony.
Design focused on compassion and stress reduction
The new structure will feature separate wings for dogs and cats, with dog kennels arranged in smaller, boxed‑off sections holding a maximum of eight kennels each. This replaces the existing layout where up to 30 dogs share a single room, a condition that often creates high noise levels and stress for the animals.
Additional improvements include dedicated meet‑and‑greet rooms for prospective adopters and upgraded administrative offices for staff, all intended to streamline operations and enhance the adoption experience.
Addressing structural decay
City officials noted that the current shelter suffers from crumbling walls, a sagging ceiling, and roof leaks that cause interior flooding during heavy rain. These issues have hampered daily operations and increased maintenance costs.
Community partnerships and support
Police Chief Shane Chaney, who oversees Metro as a division of the Casper Police Department, highlighted the shelter’s regional role. “We have partnerships with surrounding communities like Mills, Bar Nunn and Natrona County, and we get lots of calls for dogs at large, nuisances, cats stuck in traps — lots of things like that,” he said.
According to Chaney, Metro responded to 4,235 animal‑related calls in 2025, including 1,728 stray cases, 227 reports of vicious animals, and 253 animal‑bite incidents.
Voter approval and funding
Vice Mayor Kyle Gamroth thanked residents for approving the SPEC tax proposal on the 2024 ballot, which provided the funding needed for the project. “We wouldn’t be here today if people didn’t show up at the ballot box and approve this, and I think those people are going to be really excited and grateful once this is complete,” Gamroth told Oil City News.
Construction timeline
Construction is slated to begin soon, with the project expected to span roughly a year. Completion is targeted for late 2027 or early 2028, at which point the new shelter will offer a modern, compassionate environment for Casper’s animals and a more efficient service for the community.
The groundbreaking ceremony underscored the city’s commitment to responsible animal care, public safety, and the well‑being of families who rely on Metro’s services. As the project moves forward, city leaders anticipate that the new facility will become a model for humane animal sheltering in the region.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
