Discover why the Williamson County Animal Center is a leader in animal-centric design

In 2019, Williamson County knew it was time to update their animal welfare facilities to set a new standard for animal care in the country. For years, the Williamson County Animal Center (WCAC) had operated out of a building originally suited for office space. The staff did amazing things with limited resources, so the question became what could they do with a facility crafted specifically to meet their mission?

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In looking to assemble the best team possible, 906 Studio Architects + Interiors partnered with Shelter Planners of America (SPOA) to deliver both a comprehensive study to determine the needs of the community and then design a space where both animals and people could thrive. The SPOA study confirmed what everyone had suspected: the dramatic growth of this area had massively increased the space needs to support animal welfare. But the solution was much more than just “more building.” It was rather a multi-pronged approach to managing animal populations while also facilitating adoptions. Not simply providing more space, but providing instead holistic solutions to create better community outcomes. 

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Once the needs and solutions became apparent, 906 worked closely with SPOA to design a building to support this approach. Not just more kennels, but an adoption lobby and wing specifically designed to provide the best experience for visitors and potential adopters. Not just a medical clinic, but a suite of exam rooms and surgery spaces designed to maximize efficiency so that spay/neuter events and other outreach programs could have the maximum impact.

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Add to this a training facility where new owners could learn care for their pets as well as a meeting space that is frequently utilized by organizations throughout the community and you had a new animal center that was fully integrated into the community and having a massive positive impact on animal welfare, a 33,000-square-foot, purpose-built facility that sets new standards for animal-centric design in the region.

Opened in April of 2022, the new center was built to better support adoption services, medical care, and educational outreach for one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing counties.  

A Facility Designed Around Animal Needs

Every aspect of the center was crafted to create a calm, safe, and functional environment:

• A dedicated medical wing with a state‑of‑the‑art surgery center supports lifesaving procedures and daily veterinary care.  
• Three separate lobbies — adoption, impound, and medical — streamline the visitor experience while reducing stress for animals.
• A 1,200‑square‑foot education hall hosts community programs and training events.
• A 1,200‑square‑foot indoor dog training area provides year‑round space for behavior work and exercise.
• Outdoor amenities include a quarter‑mile walking track, a public dog park, and a cat‑friendly outdoor space.
• The dog kennel can comfortably house 86 dogs, while the cat wing accommodates 100 cats, helping the center meet increasing demand.

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These features work together to ensure that animals receive compassionate, high‑quality care from the moment they arrive.

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Award‑Winning Public Design

Shortly after its opening, the Williamson County Animal Center received recognition for its thoughtful and community‑focused design. In 2022, the project earned Best Public Facility Project from IIDA Tennessee, a testament to the innovation and attention to detail that shaped every part of the building.

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In addition it earned the 2022 Excellence in Construction Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors Greater Tennessee Chapter. This was awarded to the entire team: General Contractor Solomon Builders, owner’s representative Oversite and 906 Studio and Genesis Engineering.

Built for a Growing Community

As Williamson County continues to expand, the new facility positions the center to better meet the needs of residents, pets, and the many animals that come through its doors each year. It also positions the county and staff to lessen the overall number of unwanted animals in the county. By prioritizing workflow, comfort, education, and community engagement, the new WCAC represents the best of what animal welfare design can achieve.

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906 Studio is proud to have contributed to a project that strengthens the bond between people and animals while supporting a healthier, more resilient community.