(Photo provided)

WARSAW — The pets of the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko will be getting a belated Christmas gift. After a recent announcement in July the AWL would soon be relocating a larger, newly renovated facility just across the street from the current location at3489 E. CR 100S, Warsaw, preliminary plans have begun to take shape.

According to Darla McCammon, director of the AWL, the AWL initially planned to renovate and expand its current location, however due to Indiana run-off regulations the expansion of the current shelter was not possible. Casting their gaze from the current facility to a new one, McCammon noticed a significantly larger building just across the street from the current shelter.

The specs for the new building are impressive compared to the current shelter. Located at 1048 S CR 325E, the building sits on 5 acres of land and offers 6,500 square feet to be utilized for the shelter’s needs. The current shelter is approximately 2,500 square feet.

McCammon has been working alongside architects to create a facility that will not only improve base operations, but community interaction and pets quality of life. The project’s tentative plans offer some new amenities including an outdoor dog park with walking trails for volunteers to enjoy a stroll with an AWL pup and an indoor walking track to keep animals active during the winter as well as improve cage cleaning processes.

Community is a major focus of the shelter. McCammon notes the shelter is currently involved with several area organizations to bring joy to elderly and young alike. The new shelter will continue this endeavor by offering an education center, which can be used to host children from local schools, board meetings or even a space to be rented for birthdays with the pets.

Other notable additions include a secure night drop area. McCammon noted animals can be placed inside a door, which will close and lock after the animal has been deposited. Inside, the pet will have food, water and warmth.

The shelter will also include additional office spaces for volunteers and staff alike; more kennel space pets; a cat condo in the adoption area; as well as a cat free roaming room, where felines can stretch their paws. Numerous “hug rooms,” an ample lab space will also be incorporated.

Though the funds to purchase the building have been secured through donations from the community, McCammon noted funds are still needed to bring the new building up to par. Drainage systems as well as reliable heating and cooling for the structure are among the needs McCammon cited for the project.

McCammon explained current cost projects are still being calculated as the architect for the project works to create plans for the new shelter and solicit bids. McCammon noted she believes the project will likely cost near the $1 million range, leaving the shelter to work to procure roughly $600,000 for the project.

The shelter is asking for the community’s support, be that through volunteering time or services, or giving money toward the project’s cost and shelter operations. To learn more about getting involved with the shelter or providing a donation, call the AWL at (574) 267-3008.