Spartanburg County Pet Resource Center Begins Construction: A New Dawn for Stray Animals

The Pet Resource Center Breaks Ground

In a significant development for stray animal care in Spartanburg County, construction for a new pet resource center is set to kick-start. With site work commencing in mid-August, the $24.6 million facility is expected to provide a safe haven for stray cats and dogs. Located on Southport Road and developed by Spartanburg-based Clayton Construction, the center aims to care for and house these animals until adoption or reunion with their owners.

A candidate is currently under negotiation to secure the role as the center’s director, who will be responsible for outlining its operational plans and preparing an annual budget. The center will be maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers assisting with day-to-day operations.

A Milestone for Animal Care in Spartanburg County

The initiation of the project marks a major milestone for animal care in the county. Spread out over 26,000 square feet, the center will occupy 8 acres of land, acquired for $241,500 in August 2023. The county’s investment into this ‘labor of love’, as Councilwoman Jessica Coker labels it, also includes $5 million of its American Rescue Plan funds and $19.6 million from interest earnings on the county’s year-end tax revenues.

What Does the Center Offer?

The state-of-the-art facility is not just an animal shelter. It is envisioned as a comprehensive pet resource center that caters to the needs of stray animals for years to come. The center will feature 18,600 square feet of outdoor space, including 5,000 square feet of coverage. It will house 79 kennels for dogs and 12 for cats, along with dedicated adoption and clinic lobbies.

The Interim Plan

Until the Spartanburg County pet resource center opens its doors, Greenville County Animal Care will continue to accommodate stray animals from Spartanburg County. However, the county is also negotiating with Animal Allies to let it take in some of its stray animals over the next year. This move is intended to reduce the stray intake at Greenville County Animal Care during the construction phase.

The Projected Impact

The resource center aims to revolutionize the care and treatment of stray animals in the county. Catering to the increasing needs for such a facility, the establishment of the center is a much-awaited development. Upon completion, the facility is geared to provide a supportive home for stray animals, facilitating their care and eventual adoption.

The Spartanburg County pet resource center is a leap forward in community efforts towards enhancing the welfare of stray cats and dogs. With construction on track to complete in the next 18 months, the eagerly awaited opening of this facility in 2025 will add a major pillar to the county’s animal care infrastructure.

By HERE News