Greenville Humane Society’s $8.5 million expansion project aims to revolutionize animal care

The Greenville Humane Society (GHS), a non-profit group based in South Carolina, will enhance its facilities and services to revolutionize animal care in the Upstate area. They aim to improve support for pet care beyond sparing animals from euthanasia and offering spay/neuter procedures, pet adoption, and educational programs.

The $8.5 million fundraising campaign is for constructing the new facility at 300 Airport Road to accommodate an expanded public animal surgery center. There will be two new buildings and an outdoor pavilion to meet the increasing demand for shelter space and accessible pet care.

In October 2023, this expansion was approved by the city of Greenville’s Board of Zoning Appeals. To build the new space, the organization even requested a switch in zoning from an IG (industrial general) district to an IX (industrial flex) district designation.

Addressing pet overpopulation

An increasing number of pets taken to the shelter has challenged the Upstate area, calling for an urgent need for affordable pet care in the local area. In fact, the demand for neuter surgeries has increased by 40% since they opened the service in 2017. So, the proposed expansion project, with a 9,260-square-foot spay and neuter clinic, will help fulfill that need.

This expansion is a direct response to the surging demand for affordable pet care and education in our community

Rachel Delport

By tackling pet overpopulation and veterinary shortages head-on, the organization aims to ensure more animals can find loving homes and be pets for life. This expansion will create a long-term impact on animals in need and promote pet ownership benefits in the community.

Creating sustainable solutions

The Greenville Humane Society has identified that traditional approaches to addressing animal overpopulation are no longer effective. Rachel Delport, CEO of the Greenville Humane Society, noted, “We cannot continue to place band-aids to reoccurring issues—we must find sustainable solutions. That’s what exactly we’ve set out to do with this expansion.”

According to GHS Board Chair Cindy Crick, “Time and time, Greenville has shown that our mission matters.” The organization aims to create a lasting impact for animals in need more efficiently and effectively. Crick urged the community members to support the expansion project and contribute to the fundraising goal. Partnerships with local businesses are also being explored to enhance the organization’s services and resources further.

GHS by the numbers

Over the years, GHS has provided accessible services and accommodated lots of animals in need. On average, the group has provided 84,000 animal vaccinations per year. They have also sheltered approximately 4,400 animals with diseases and performed 16,000 spay or neuter surgeries each year. With the planned expansion, GHS can continuously provide accessible pet care services, which the animals and the community will surely benefit from.

Expanding capacity

The existing complex, purchased by the GHS in March 2023, was a former property of General Shale. In the previous expansion in September 2018, 14,500 square feet of space were added to the facility. This included the facilities for preventative care services and The Healing Place, which is the shelter’s treatment space that accommodates sick and homeless pets. This makes the current 24,540 square feet facility, which includes the three existing buildings.

potentially saving thousands of lives annually

Greenville Humane Society

Now, GHS is releasing new details for the new facility for the additional shelter space to house 100 more animals. A sprawling facility with nearly 8,000 square feet of multipurpose space has been designated as a versatile platform for animal care. These initiatives aim to educate the public about pet care, promote spay and neuter surgeries, and provide resources for animal owners in need. After the construction, an additional 7,950 square feet of space will be available for animal training, education, and community events.

New clinic and multipurpose space

The new facility will boast an expansive public spay and neuter clinic. Its advanced design and equipment are expected to boost surgical capacity by a substantial 50%, ultimately contributing to improved animal welfare in the community.

The new facility will feature an expansive multipurpose area to accommodate diverse educational programs, training sessions, and community events. This will foster a culture of knowledge-sharing, skill-building, and community engagement.

Along with the essential amenities, there will be additional features, including the City Skatepark and Pump Track on an 11-acre space. This will be located a short distance from the Southwest of GHS, just along the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

In fact, there are more suggested amenities to include, such as the Loop Trail around the airport, another Greenville Convention Center, and enhancements to the area’s walkability along Lauren’s Road.

Construction timeline

The construction process of the new expansion is anticipated to take 10 to 12 months. Depending on the fundraising efforts and considering the expected timeline, the expansion will be fully operational by winter 2025. As of now, the Greenville Humane Society has accumulated roughly $2.4 million in contributions, which brings it closer to the overall fundraising objective of $8.5 million. Supporters can donate to the project or learn more about it on the organization’s website.

Expansion benefits

The expansion project will surely benefit animals and have a good impact on the community. By providing accessible pet care services, education, and resources, the organization will create a healthier and more compassionate community for all.

Senior lifestyle & leisure: pets & companionship

Aging people age often consider adopting pets as companions. The Greenville Humane Society’s project will provide resources and support for seniors looking to adopt pets or learn about responsible pet ownership. This can help promote social connections and a sense of community among older adults while also providing a loving home for animals in need.

Pet care benefits

According to the recent study, How Pets Impact Our Mental Health, by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), owning a pet can have numerous physical and emotional benefits for people of all ages. In the survey, 80% of pet parents turn to their pets for comfort, and over 54% of the respondents said that their pets help them reach out to the community.

The Greenville Humane Society’s growth project will provide access to affordable pet care services, education, and resources to promote healthy relationships between humans and animals. By supporting this initiative, the community can make a more compassionate and healtheir environment for all.

Community support

The GHS is urgently appealing to its community to come together and support the ambitious expansion project. The fundraising campaign, called Love is a Four-Legged Word, relies heavily on collective contributions to reach the $8.5 million fundraising target and bring about lasting change for animals in need.

To contribute, supporters can easily donate to the project online or gain a deeper understanding of its goals and objectives by accessing the Greenville Humane Society’s official website.

To conclude

The Greenville Humane Society’s $8.5 million expansion project aims to improve animal care in the Upstate area of South Carolina. With the focus on addressing pet overpopulation, promoting education and training, and increasing capacity, this initiative has the potential to make a lasting difference in the lives of countless animals. As advocates come together to support this project, it will not only benefit animals but also have a positive impact on the local community.