Florida Construction News staff writer
The Gulf Coast Humane Society broke ground Monday on a 10,000-sq. ft. veterinary clinic that will serve Southwest Florida.
Slated for completion in spring 2026, the project is being led by Stevens Construction, with GMA Architects & Planners and RESPEC serving as additional partners.
Located at 2010 Arcadia St., the facility will provide wellness services, spay/neuter surgeries, dental care and medical treatment for both shelter animals and pets owned by area residents. It is expected to double the organization’s current capacity and reduce the need to refer complex cases to outside specialists.
“Our dedicated veterinary team works tirelessly to ensure shelter animals are healthy and ready for adoption while providing pet owners with an affordable option for veterinary care,” said Darcy Andrade, executive director of the Gulf Coast Humane Society. “By investing in affordable veterinary programs, we aim to prevent suffering, keep pets with their families and reduce the number of homeless animals in our community.”
Established as the region’s oldest no-kill shelter and community clinic, the nonprofit served more than 10,000 owned pets last year, performed over 9,000 spay/neuter procedures, and delivered nearly 9,300 additional treatments.
The new clinic will feature eight exam rooms, areas for specialized care and surgery, and advanced medical equipment. The facility will also support rescue partners across Florida and act as a training hub for future veterinary professionals, with the goal of attracting and retaining top talent in the region.
The expansion is being funded through the Gulf Coast Humane Society’s Paws for Wellness: Building a Healthier Tomorrow campaign, which aims to raise $12 million. The organization is actively seeking community support to help meet its fundraising goal.
“This clinic isn’t just about a larger facility or advanced technology,” said Dr. Alana Canupp, medical director. “It’s about ensuring every pet, whether in a home or shelter, gets the care they need to live a healthy life.
For more information or to contribute to the campaign, visit GCHSPawsforWellness.org.
