Rutherford County Animal Shelter
Sheltered Paws and Resource Center
A heart for community, a home for compassion.
Upland Architects’ collaboration with Rutherford County for their new Animal Shelter (operated by Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue) is a shining example of how thoughtful design and teamwork can create meaningful spaces for both people and animals. From the very beginning, our team worked hand in hand with County staff to envision a modern, welcoming, and humane facility that prioritizes animal welfare, staff efficiency, and accessibility for the entire community.
Building from the ground up.
The new 10,260-square-foot facility was designed as a complete ground-up project, located just across from the County’s existing shelter. Through careful planning and collaboration, Upland developed a layout that balances public spaces, staff work areas, and secure zones for animal care. When initial cost estimates exceeded the budget, our team refined the design to meet financial goals without sacrificing the integrity of the project or its essential functions.
Designing for care and connection.
The shelter’s interior was thoughtfully organized to support smooth daily operations and create a calm, caring atmosphere. Dedicated areas for animal intake, adoption, and staff support are connected through an intuitive layout that ensures comfort, efficiency, and safety. To promote a healthy environment for both animals and staff, the HVAC system within the animal area was designed to provide 100% air changes ten times per hour, reducing airborne illness such as kennel cough and supporting overall wellness throughout the facility. Spaces for dogs, cats, and smaller animals were developed with their specific needs in mind, encouraging a sense of comfort and reducing stress while making interactions with the public more enjoyable.
A place that works a hard as its people.
Behind the scenes, the facility was designed to empower staff with durable, functional spaces that streamline their work. From cleaning and feeding areas to administrative and break spaces, every part of the building contributes to a healthy and supportive environment for those who dedicate their time to animal care.
A welcoming gateway for the community.
At its heart, the shelter is more than a place for animals; it is a community resource. The bright, inviting lobby welcomes visitors and adopters alike, offering opportunities for connection, education, and compassion. The site’s layout supports easy access and movement, ensuring the safety of both animals and people.
Built to last, designed to inspire.
Durability and longevity guided every design decision, resulting in a facility that will serve Rutherford County for generations. The structure’s simple, resilient materials and clean, modern aesthetic reflect the County’s commitment to stewardship, sustainability, and care.
Grand opening and acknowledgements.
The Rutherford County Animal Shelter celebrated its grand opening on June 30, 2025, marking an exciting new chapter for the community.
The project was completed with the support of a talented team of consultants and builders, including Clayton Engineering & Design, LLC (Civil Engineering), Solid Rock Structural, PLLC (Structural Engineering), McKnight Smith Ward Griffin Engineers, Inc. (MEP and Life Safety Engineering), and Wilkie Construction Company Southeast, LLC (General Contractor).
Photography courtesy of Wilkie Construction Company Southeast, LLC. for their beautiful images capturing the spirit and craftsmanship of this exceptional facility.
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