Last month, 21 News told you about Animal Charity of Ohio's plans to expand to a larger space as they need a bigger building to continue their work.

We stopped by their new facility along Southern Blvd to learn more about why the change is needed and how long the renovation process will take before they move in.

The work of Animal Charity Humane Society is neverending and they quickly realized they're outgrowing their Market Street space.

"We know that it's getting worse out there in Mahoning County," explained Jane MacMurchy, Humane Agent with Animal Charity of Ohio. "We just did not have enough room."

Humane agents recently got the keys to the warehouse at 8469 Southern Blvd. Bldg. #3 in Boardman.

As the renovation process begins with FMD Architects, they plan to move out of their main Market Street property and Canfield rental.

"We're going to be under one roof," MacMurchy added. "It's going to be more efficient for us, it's going to help us financially but it's going to be better for the animals. There will be people with them 24 hours a day."

FMD Architects explained to 21 News the previous office space will be flipped to eventually feature a vet clinic, dog and cat area, also indoor and outdoor kennels and play areas, a sally port, and a donation area.

"When they first asked me to take a look at it, I saw it fit them perfectly," explained Mark Moore, Principal of FMD Architects. "For the square footage and volume, we can just continue to grow over the next several years. This will bring all of the animals into one location."

The architectural firm has generous experience working with past animal shelters. "We do them all over the country," Moore said. "We've sat down with them, asked them how many animals they had and expect to have, and then we know how many enclosures, space, and amenities they need."

Additional rooms include boarding spaces, grooming, exam, and family rooms. 

MacMurchy said that more demand means they need more room. In 2020, they serviced 419 animals and in 2022 they helped 667. 

"It's a 59% increase," explained MacMurchy. "So, that's altogether since the start of COVID-19, it was 1,615, and to find space to facilitate that is difficult."

MacMurchy said they expect that increase to raise to 73% in the next 18 months due to the number of animals coming from the City of Youngstown. 

"We service all 425 square miles of Mahoning County but we also have the City of Youngstown to battle, 70% of our animals are coming from Youngstown," MacMurchy explained. "It's just getting worse in the city and unfortunately that takes up so much of our resources."

The nonprofit hopes to open its doors to its four-legged friends this summer.

"We see every facility that we create is an increase of turnover so we can get the animals in and out quicker," Moore added. "This should increase adoptions with this better operational flow."

The project is funded entirely through private donations with a price tag of about $5 million. Visit Animal Charity's website to donate.