News Summary
Spartanburg County is preparing to open a new Pet Resource Center in early 2026, featuring innovative animal welfare solutions. With a budget of $24.6 to $25 million, the center will include 91 kennels, surgical facilities, and outdoor animal yards. Aimed at reducing the number of strays, the center will support pet owners in need. Construction is handled by Clayton Construction Company, with operations commencing after staff hiring. Fundraising events and community consultations have ensured local needs are met, enhancing animal welfare and community engagement.
Spartanburg County’s $25 Million Pet Resource Center Set to Open in 2026 with Innovative Model for Animal Welfare
Spartanburg County is set to unveil its new Pet Resource Center in early 2026, with construction scheduled for completion by December 2025. The project boasts a budget of $24.6 to $25 million and represents a significant investment in animal welfare and community services.
Located on Southport Road, the Pet Resource Center will feature 91 kennels along with essential facilities designed to promote the health and well-being of animals. These facilities include isolation housing, surgery rooms, exam rooms, x-ray rooms, and a pharmacy, as well as lobbies for adoption and clinics.
On September 16, 2025, Spartanburg County hosted a media tour of the facility to showcase the progress being made. The center will utilize an innovative limited-management intake system for stray animals, diverging from conventional shelter models. This approach aims to reduce the number of animals entering the shelter system by providing resources to pet owners facing challenges such as behavioral issues or financial constraints regarding veterinary care.
The Spartanburg County Council has received some scrutiny regarding the project’s costs and the number of kennels being provided. Councilmember Jessica Coker noted public interest and concerns surrounding these topics. However, advocates for the project argue that the facility is designed as a “facility of last resort” to ensure pets remain with their families whenever possible.
Clayton Construction Company is responsible for building the new center, which will encompass over 26,000 square feet of space. It will also include multiple fenced outdoor animal yards and artificial turf areas for the animals. The center’s design allows for future expansion if necessary.
Staffing for the Pet Resource Center is already underway, with 12 staff members hired and eight positions still available. In preparation for operations, Kyla Wagner has been appointed as the deputy director of Animal Welfare Services, bringing over ten years of experience in the field. Officers from Spartanburg County Animal Control will transition under the new Animal Welfare Services Department in October 2025.
Once operational, the Pet Resource Center will enable community members to visit and adopt pets directly. Additionally, it plans to collaborate with foster volunteers and partner organizations to provide temporary care for pets. During the construction phase, stray animals will continue to be transported to Greenville County Animal Care until the new facility opens.
In support of the center’s launch, a fundraising event named “Run Walk Wag” is scheduled for October 4, 2025, at Holston Park in Inman, emphasizing community involvement in the initiative. The planning of this facility included consultations with over 50 animal welfare organizations to gather insights and address community needs effectively.
The development of the Spartanburg County Pet Resource Center comes in response to capacity issues faced by existing facilities. Prior to this, the area relied on Greenville County Animal Care for sheltering stray animals, which had been consistently at full capacity. Other nearby counties, such as Cherokee and Union, are also taking measures to improve animal welfare, with Cherokee County opening an animal shelter in early 2024 that can accommodate 164 dogs and 24 cats and Union County allocating $1 million for a new planning initiative due to overcrowding at its current facility.
The establishment of the Pet Resource Center not only aims to enhance animal welfare in Spartanburg County but also to strengthen community ties and promote responsible pet ownership.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Pet Resource Center Spartanburg
- WSPA: Pet Resource Center on Track to Open in 2026
- Fox Carolina: First Look at Pet Resource Center Spartanburg
- Wikipedia: Animal Welfare
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Rights
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
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