IRVINE — The city will replace its aging animal shelter with a new facility proposed to be 60 percent larger.

Although details haven’t been finalized, plans call for more space to house animals and larger areas for reception, the medical clinic, training, retail and offices.

“It’s not that much more cost to the city to pursue brand new construction than to try to renovate an aging facility,” Councilwoman Lynn Schott, who sits on the city’s Animal Care Center Subcommittee, said Tuesday, Feb. 13, when the council decided to go with new construction. “There may be unknown costs to try to retrofit and renovate and upgrade an existing building that’s 30 year old or so.”

Consultants and city staff estimated a new center would cost $25.9 million, compared to $24 million for renovations. However, new construction offers more flexibility and takes less time to be completed, a staff report said.

“I wanted to see a new shelter there for many many years,” Councilwoman Christina Shea said. “I’m very excited about it. I’m a dog lover and pet lover like many people in Irvine. This is a big deal. … We care about our family and children, but we care about our animals, too.”

The city will demolish the existing 20,000-square-foot facility on Oak Canyon near Sand Canyon Avenue and build the new facility there – it could be ready by August 2021.

Schott said it is important to keep the center at the same place because people are familiar with the location, there are no homes nearby and employees from surrounding companies frequently visit the center and its residents.

During construction, the city plans to put a temporary facility at the popular dog park, Irvine Central Bark, which is within walking distance. Later, the city plans to make improvements to the dog park.

On Tuesday, the City Council also approved requesting designs for new dog parks at Sweet Shade, Oak Creek and Hicks Canyon community parks. Dog parks are already planned for the Orange County Great Park and Gateway Community Park.