Winnebago County Animal Services celebrated the conclusion of long-awaited upgrades to its facility Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“It’s a great day for Winnebago County to have this expansion officially open.” said Joe Chiarelli, chairman of the Winnebago County Board. “It’s increased by 4,000 square feet, which I learned today is already at full capacity. It’s a constant need. We have a lot of animals that come in here for care.”
While the facility at 4517 N. Main St. in Rockford got a 4,385-square-feet addition, the $2.4 million renovation focused heavily on upgrades to existing spaces and making sure the shelter is able to provide adequate accommodations for the animals in need.
The project included the addition of three new dog rooms, new cat enclosures, an exam room, exercise yards, a new intake area and an improved customer service area.
“Currently, we’re housing approximately 100 dogs and 70 cats.” Animal Services Administrator Jennifer Stacy said. “That’s more than we want to hold, for them to have double sided cages and the space that they need.”