More than two years after voters approved a measure to expand Pima Animal Care Center's facility -- the construction has been approved by the Board of Supervisors.
The board voted 5-0 to approve the $16 Million dollar project.
As of Thursday morning, PACC currently has 495 pets seeking shelter in the facility. Many of whom are looking to be adopted into forever homes.
Justin Gallick, Executive Director of Community Engagement, says the approval to expand the facility is a huge milestone for the community.
He says, "the building that we are currently in was set up for more of a rabies control process and short-term housing for fewer animals. Adoptions 50-years-ago wasn't as big of a trend, and now adoptions are crucial."
Gallick says the current facility has limited what PACC can do for the animals they have taken in. "We've had to adapt to make things work, but the new facility will have more kennel capacity."
With the new kennels, the space will be more comfortable for pets and allow PACC employees minimize stress on each pet.
"Having divided kennels will allow more space so when we're cleaning, we don't have to take the pet out of the kennel we can just move them to the other side so that they're still in their environment," says Gallick.
By doing so, employees can cut down on disease transmissions and keep each pet mentally and physically healthy.
The project will be in two phases - Phase one will be building a new facility set to finish in December 2017.
Once the pets and employees are moved into the new building - Phase two will begin.
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