Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey participated in a groundbreaking ceremony July 24 for the new BCSO K-9 Saint Francis Animal Care Center near the existing facility at 5100 West Eau Sallie Blvd. in Melbourne. The event included Saint Francis, the department’s bloodhound and Ivey’s partner, who wore a hardhat during the ceremony. The new shelter will replace the current facility, which has served the community for more than 30 years.
The 300-kennel center will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to improve operations for Brevard County’s public pet shelter. Construction is expected to begin early in 2027, with a planned grand opening next summer. The project includes space for medical care, adoption areas, and training facilities for the sheriff’s K-9 units. State Representative Tyler Sirois, a key advocate for the funding, praised the initiative as a long-overdue upgrade.
At the ceremony, family dog Teddy was sworn in as an honorary deputy with the BCSO. The event highlighted the role of community partnerships in the project. Sheriff Ivey said the new center will address growing demand for services while honoring the legacy of Saint Francis, who has worked with the department for years.
The existing shelter, located off Eau Gallie Boulevard, has struggled with overcrowding and outdated infrastructure. The new facility will include climate-controlled kennels, expanded adoption spaces, and improved security measures. Officials emphasized the project’s focus on animal welfare and operational efficiency. The $10 million cost will be funded through a combination of county allocations and state grants.