Renovate or Build New? How to Decide for Your Animal Shelter

One of the most common questions animal welfare organizations face is: Should we renovate our existing animal shelter or build a new one?

At Design Learned, we hear this question often - and the answer depends on several factors, including your facility’s condition, operational goals, and long-term plans. Both options have unique benefits and challenges, so understanding them fully is critical before making a decision.

Renovating Your Existing Animal Shelter

If your shelter is in a prime location — close to your community, easily accessible for staff and visitors, and with room for future expansion — renovation may seem like the logical choice. Using your existing building can also provide a head start with infrastructure like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.

However, these systems are rarely designed for the specialized needs of animal care facilities. Animal shelters require custom mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems to manage:

• Disease control

• Odor management

• Noise reduction

• Air quality

• Proper drainage

• 
  

In nearly every renovation, these systems must be replaced or significantly upgraded to meet current standards and codes.

Space Limitations and Operational Challenges

Renovating means working within existing walls and layouts, which can limit your ability to optimize operations. Many shelters struggle to “make it work” in a building never designed for:

• Efficient animal flow

• Proper separation of species

• Modern staff needs

Even after extensive remodeling, older buildings often leave you with design compromises and inefficiencies.

Almost all of our clients require additional space that simply doesn’t exist in their current shelter. With higher animal housing standards and a growing focus on enrichment and welfare, space needs are increasing dramatically.

Cost Considerations

While renovation can seem more affordable upfront, costs often escalate once you begin upgrading systems and addressing unforeseen issues. By the time the building meets Design Learned’s standards for animal care, renovation costs can approach those of new construction — often with fewer long-term benefits.

Building a New Animal Shelter

Building new gives you the opportunity to design a facility from the ground up — one that fully supports your mission, operations, and community needs. Every space can be intentionally planned for:

• Functionality

• Efficiency

• Animal welfare

You also gain complete control over MEP system design, ensuring proper performance for air quality, humidity control, noise reduction, and safety from day one.

The Trade-Off

New construction often includes additional costs not seen in renovation projects, such as:

• Site preparation

• Utility extensions

• Permitting

While total construction costs can be higher, the difference is often smaller than expected. When factoring in long-term operating efficiency and maintenance savings, a new facility can deliver better overall value.

How to Choose the Right Path

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some shelters benefit from adaptive reuse, while others find that new construction is the only way to achieve the right flow and functionality.

At Design Learned, Inc., we help clients explore both options with a practical, data-driven approach. Our team can:

• Evaluate your existing building and outline required upgrades

• Estimate total investment for renovation

• Discuss new construction options, including site needs, design flexibility, and projected costs

Whether you renovate or build new, your decision should balance cost, functionality, and long-term sustainability. DLI’s experienced team is here to help you make the best choice for your organization, your animals, and your community. Contact Design Learned today to discuss your project and explore the best path for your animal care facility - all while leveraging the Design Learned advantage. Call the Design Learned team at 860-889-7078 or schedule a consultation online.