Local animal rescue will soon have a bigger facility to save more pet lives

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The community has come together to help give homeless pets a fighting chance to survive and find a new home. Local non-profit Animal Compassion Team will soon have more space.

Many homeless pets are being cared for while they wait for a forever home at the Animal Compassion Team. Soon, they'll have a little more space with a new building called Granville Animal Refuge.

"It's an exciting big thing for us, because its a 4,800 square foot building that gives us the ability to save countless amounts of lives on top of what we're already doing," said Brenda Mitchell, Animal Compassion Team.

On Wednesday, supporters came together for a special ceremony. Even ACT's mascot-- Romeo-- was on hand to show his support.

Developer Granville Homes came alongside the community's donations to make the $300,000 building a reality.

"We're just very happy. We think it's a very much needed part of this community--the animal shelter. I'm glad and happy and honored to be a part of this project," said Claudia Cazares, Granville Homes.

The new indoor building will allow volunteers to quarantine animals, like moms and puppies. It will also provide a space for dogs that need more care.

"If we go into a shelter environment we can pull a good chunk of animals out of a shelter, quarantine them properly, vet them properly, and get them up for adoption into loving homes and then go save another group. It's a rescue, rehome, repeat," said Mitchell.

Mitchell said the Central Valley has one of the biggest overpopulation problems in the nation. Another facility like this will help provide a place to save these four legged friends.

"Their lives are precious, they need a voice, and we get to be their voice," said Mitchell.

The building is expected to open in October and begin housing animals right away.