Huachuca City Property Enters Escrow For Cochise County Shelter

Cochise County may finally see some relief from animal shelter overcrowding. According to a press release from the Cochise County government website, plans for a future animal shelter are moving forward after a property in Huachuca City officially entered escrow.

Recycle for shelter pets. — Photo courtesy Grady Butler.

According to a Cochise County press release issued July 7, the County's revised offer of $440,000 was accepted for the property located at 450 N. Huachuca Blvd.

The site under consideration for the new development is centrally located in Cochise County, and building an additional animal shelter would improve access to animal care services for residents across southeastern Arizona.

Get our free mobile app

Board of Supervisors Approves Next Steps

The Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center in Sierra Vista, the Bisbee Animal Shelter, and the Douglas Animal Shelter work together to provide the best possible care for animals in Cochise County.

The new shelter location has taken months to work out. The Cochise County Board of Supervisors initially approved Resolution 26-14 on June 2, 2026, authorizing the County to proceed with the purchase of real property in Huachuca City for an animal shelter.

On June 30, the Board approved Resolution 26-21, which amended the original resolution to reflect the revised purchase price and additional terms of the transaction.

selective focus photography of three brown puppies — Photo by Anoir Chafik on Unsplash

Strong Community Support Behind the Project

The proposed shelter project has generated significant public interest over the years.

According to the County, more than 8,000 signatures have been submitted since 2021, requesting action to expand animal shelter services. County leaders cited that public support as one factor driving the project forward.

two short-coated brown and white dog on the cage — Photo by Sasha Sashina on Unsplash

“The Huachuca City site has been viewed favorably by County staff and community stakeholders because of its central location and potential to improve access to animal shelter services for communities across Cochise County,” the release states.

The extra shelter will help balance the load of animals that come through the county and make it easier for owners to reconnect with lost pets.

Due Diligence Process Still Underway

Entering escrow is a major milestone for this project, but County officials stressed that the purchase is not yet final.

“This is an encouraging step toward addressing a long-recognized need in Cochise County,” said Board Chairman Frank Antenori. “At the same time, it is important to be clear that this is still a property acquisition process. The County will complete the appropriate inspections and review before the transaction is finalized.”

restaurant menus on clipboards close up — Photo by Arisa Chattasa on Unsplash

The established 30-day due diligence period began on June 30, but there’s still a lot to work out before the project is finalized. The transaction will have to undergo inspections, title review, and other standard escrow requirements, but the county believes closing will begin on or before August 1, 2026.

man in black jacket holding brown short coated dog — Photo by Chewy on Unsplash

Shelter Capacity Yet to Be Announced

The new shelter will help balance the animal population, but the County has not yet announced how many animals the facility is intended to house. More details will be released as the project continues.

Cuteness Warning! Here are Arizona's Top 11 Favorite Dog Breeds

You'll fall in love with at least one of the dogs on our list! You've been warned!

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson

Here's What Locals Say Cochise County Has Too Much Of

We asked what you think Cochise County has too much of, and these were your top answers. We combined similar answers and put them under a broad heading. Here is the breakdown based on 100 responses.

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM