The Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new shelter location on Saturday, Sept. 28. InkFreeNews photos by Liz Shepherd.

PIERCETON — The Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County held its ribbon cutting ceremony today, Sept. 28, for its new shelter location.

The 13,000-square-foot building, located along US 30 at 1048 S. CR 325E, just east of Warsaw, is officially open to the public. Opening ceremonies were held in partnership with Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group.

During the ceremony, Mayor Joe Thallemer announced Sept. 28, 2019, as Animal Welfare League Day.

“What you all do for the city is so important, not just staff but volunteers as well,” said Thallemer.

Key features of the new shelter building include separate quarantine areas for dogs and cats, four cuddle rooms and an animal education center. The shelter also has separate HVAC systems in kennel areas, a laboratory, exam room and grooming area.

“This is beyond an exciting day,” said AWL Executive Director Katey Wilks Zemen.

Shortly after the ribbon cutting ceremony, the new shelter’s first animal adoption took place with AWL Board President Beth Harrison adopting a canine she’s named Callie.

“She’s stolen my heart, for sure,” said Harrison.

The AWL still needs approximately $700,000 to fully fund the new shelter. Donors can help fund the project by visiting the AWL website or by calling (574) 267-3008.

The shelter is open from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; and from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.