OC Animal Care in Tustin, California is the central animal care facility in Orange County, serving fourteen surrounding cities and communities. <strong>rfa</strong>’s design sites seven buildings, ample parking, corrals, service areas, and a variety of exercise yards into a dynamic, park-like setting. The spine of the seven-acre campus -- a curved, tree-lined promenade -- encourages public exploration and secure, nurturing interaction between visitors, staff, and animals. The 36,000 SF two-story main building housing a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic, cattery, public meeting spaces, field services, and a variety of administrative departments, acts as a welcoming gateway to the OC Animal Care campus. Feline areas accommodate 192 cats and feature outdoor catios and stimulating, sun-filled communal cat play rooms. Canine kennel pavilions along the promenade are designed to flexibly accommodate a diverse population of 200 dogs, showcase unique residents, and create quiet opportunities for bonding. <strong>rfa</strong> worked extensively with OC Animal Care staff, animal welfare specialists, and members of the renowned University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine to meticulously craft every aspect of this facility. The resulting design, going well beyond providing animal health and welfare in a secure, sustainable, durable facility, seeks to establish a forward-thinking standard in municipal animal care and an inspirational community resource. <strong>rfa</strong> took advantage of sophisticated BIM 3D-modeling tools to facilitate frequent client design reviews and design-build team communication. Efficient planning, durable concrete tilt-up panel construction, and a number of innovative building techniques also helped to complete this sophisticated, fast-track project within budget and the client’s aggressive eighteen-month schedule.

In late 2016, Jefferson County in Missouri purchased an existing church site and tasked <strong>rfa</strong> with repurposing it as a unique animal shelter facility. Taking on the design services for this project, the scope of which consisted of 20,200 SF of interior renovation and a series of additions, <strong>rfa</strong> produced a two-storied animal resource center that embodied the local architectural vernacular.

The vision for Dog Rock Resorts was born when owner Michael Abrams was trying to determine where to take his beloved dog, Gilbert, when he went on vacation. Michael dreamed of a facility with luxury daycare, boarding, grooming, and training that provided dogs like Gilbert with an exceptional level of comfort. <strong>rfa</strong> was pleased to work with him to create Dog Rock Resorts and see his dream come to life. This 6,400 SF project included the renovation of and additions to an existing former farm stand. The canine guests enjoy faux rock play ramps and bridges, exterior and interior play yards, a play pool, an agility course, and luxury and standard boarding suites.

The Greenwood County Animal Shelter is a joint venture between Greenwood County Animal Services and The Humane Society of Greenwood. This 16,000 square feet facility enables each entity to have all the services and support functions that each one requires in order to operating effectively and efficiently. The sharing of these support services has significantly decreased the initial construction cost, as well as the long term operating overhead cost, once the project is completed. The Shelter contains a Spay/Neuter Clinic. It also includes a large Multipurpose Room for meetings, fundraising events and Training & Obedience Classes.