Question 4: Animal Services Facility
Fayetteville’s animal shelter has served this community for decades, but the facility is now 55 years old and has fallen too far behind. That limits services, makes compassionate care harder than it should be, and costs too much to maintain.
On March 3, 2026, Fayetteville voters will decide whether to continue the existing one-cent sales tax to invest $335 million in city improvements, WITHOUT RAISING TAXES.
Question 4 funds a modern, energy-efficient animal services facility that supports increased adoption opportunities and more on-site medical care, including spaying and neutering. This is about better outcomes for animals and a better experience for the people who care for them.
We took Firehouse Phil, a Fayetteville Fire Department dalmatian, to the current animal shelter to show just how important it is to vote FOR both a new fire station and a new animal services facility!
The current animal shelter’s infrastructure and systems are aging. A newer facility would be more humane, more compassionate, and more welcoming to our community, better serving both animals and humans.
Also on the ballot, Question 9 would fund the construction of a new fire station, a modern training facility, and updated equipment to support faster response times and better fire protection for residents and businesses across Fayetteville.
And Question 1, refinancing the existing sales tax bond, MUST pass for either one of these ballot measures to move forward.
The City of Fayetteville has released these concept images of what a new Fayetteville Animal Services Center could look like. As we mentioned, Question 4 on the ballot would make it possible!
A new modern Animal Services facility would focus on expanded and improved animal care and recovery, better adoption and education spaces, and more efficient operations.
These concept drawings were developed through a citywide study launched in 2024 and multiple rounds of online and in-person feedback sessions that were open to all residents.
A new Animal Services Center may include:
• Expanded animal shelter facility
• Improved medical and recovery areas
• Better space for animal intake and care
• Adoption and education areas for the public
• Safer workspaces for staff and volunteers
UATV recently spoke with Fayetteville Animal Services staff about some everyday problems at the current shelter. One big issue is drainage. Staff members say the drainage system is worn out and will need major work either way.
The story also highlights a few space challenges: some kennels are too small for larger dogs, and there’s not much indoor space for animals to play. And when it rains hard, the outdoor dog area can turn into a muddy mess, which makes cleanup much harder for staff.
UATV also explains why shelters cost more to build than people might expect. A shelter is a high-traffic area akin to a hospital. It must be cleaned constantly for disease control, and it needs tougher materials that can withstand heavy use. That’s why shelters cost more to build than some people might expect.
Finally, the report says the City has not yet picked a site, but leaders hope to use city-owned land in a spot that is easy for the public to see and find.
Thanks to our friends at Fayetteville Animal Services for the photo of Nene at the top of the page. Check out their Facebook page to find your next pet!