Paws & Claws Humane Society breaks ground - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) -- After 6 years of a capital fundraising campaign ground is broken Thursday morning on a new animal shelter for Paws and Claws Humane Society.

The new 7,800 square foot facility is being built on 1.8 acres on 19th Street NW in Northwest Rochester.  The shelter is designed as a safe and stimulating space for homeless cats and dogs and features areas for exercise and animal socialization.

Ninety-five percent of the project will be completed through the use of local labor and contractors.

Animals are expected to move into the new shelter in late May.

Dan Estes, Paws & Claws Humane Society Board Director says, "This is a great project. This is something we have been working on for six years in the capital campaign. It's a great new building, something the city is going to be very proud of. Paws & Claws is a great organization and is working very hard to provide a great shelter and sanctuary for the animals we have under our care."

Fundraising efforts are ongoing to pay for the final third of the building's construction cost.