Construction on relocated animal care center nearing completion

BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) — In the six months since construction started, workers have completed about 80 percent of the job converting an old factory off Southern Boulevard into a new home for Animal Charity of Ohio. Walls for new dog kennels have been installed and sanded.

“Between 60 and 70 kennels altogether for 60 to 70 dogs,” said Jane MacMurchy, of the Animal Charity of Ohio. “And then we have the north side of the large bay, which is actually going to hold another 40 dogs.”

Besides the space for dogs, there will be kennels for cats as well as other animals. There will also be areas for grooming, decontamination, veterinary services, surgery and room for future expansion.

“Because again this is a forever home, so we need growing space,” MacMurchy said. “So there are several spaces that are dedicated to growth in the future with this building.”

But between construction costs and the care of nearly 250 animals at their other shelters, agents said money is getting tight.

“Ultimately, we really need to raise between $900,000 and $1 million, so we can get these animals in here,” MacMurchy said.

Complicating matters in all of this is the urgent need to move animals out of this facility, as well as a kennel in Canfield. Agents say there’s simply no more room here.

Though surgeries are scheduled to begin in the new facility this month, agents admit the goal of having the kennels open by now has been missed. They now hope to have animals in by early June while their fundraising efforts continue.

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