A well-known Walnut Creek nonprofit is planning a significant expansion to better serve pets and the community.
Joybound People & Pets has proposed construction of a new 12,577-square-foot animal daycare building at its campus on Mitchell Drive, a project aimed at increasing capacity and adding new services. The proposal was reviewed March 18 during a study session with the city’s Design Review Commission.
The new building would be constructed on the last remaining vacant portion of the 10-acre campus and is designed to support expanded programming, including behavior specialty services, public training, disaster response, and new offerings such as pet boarding, daycare, and crisis support services.
Joybound, formerly known as the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), currently runs a wide range of programs, including pet adoptions, veterinary services, youth education, and food assistance for pet owners. The organization also provides service animals to military veterans through a dedicated on-site facility.
City staff say the expansion is needed as the current campus has reached operational capacity. The project would include not only the new building but also outdoor training areas, exercise yards, covered dog runs, additional parking, new landscaping, and updated lighting throughout the site.
Plans call for the removal of several trees to accommodate construction, though dozens of new trees and drought-tolerant landscaping would be added as part of the redesign.
The project requires multiple approvals, including design review and a conditional use permit, since it represents an expansion of Joybound’s existing use within the city’s Business Park zoning district.
City planners have expressed support for the proposal, noting it would enhance community services, improve the site’s use, and align with local design standards. Environmental review is currently underway under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Following feedback from the Design Review Commission, the project is expected to move forward to the Planning Commission for final consideration.