It took years of work to complete Gila County’s new animal shelter, but on the last day of August the community celebrated the facility’s grand opening with a ribbon cutting and tours of the building.

“Seven years and we’re finally here,” said Gila County Animal Care and Control Director John Castaneda.

“It was a great project,” said contractor Mike Loven, of Loven Construction. “We faced a lot of challenges.”

Castaneda said the brand new building, at 591 E. Fairgrounds Rd., has more usable space than the original shelter. The facility features 27 kennels, 10 kennels for stray cats, a stray animal side, an adoption side, dog washing and grooming areas, a high-pressure washing system for the kennels and a surgery center. Castaneda said the shelter hopes to contract with some veterinarians.

The shelter also boasts a room for other types of animals, a kitchen and food storage area, and a sally port.

“We’ve been waiting a long time to have this,” said Castaneda. “Everything flows very well, just the way we designed it. It’s been very exciting for the staff.”