Finally… Ross County Humane Society Breaks Ground on New Home

Article presented by McDonald’s, I’m Lovin’ It! …

Dirt was turned on Lick Run Road for the long-awaited new home for the Ross County Humane Society, Thursday afternoon.

The Humane Society officially began its building campaign in October of 2021, but the need for better housing for the animals goes back further.

In her remarks to the crowd gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony, Executive Director Jenn Thomas “The reality is that this current building has reached the end of its lifespan. I think I’ve been saying this for the entire ten years since I’ve been here.”

The existing 4,000 square foot building was built the summer of 1997 and according to Thomas was built to only serve as a shelter. In the years since, much has changed in the way of caring for the animals. According to their website, the RCHS states “A new 7,000 square feet facility with air quality, noise reduction, and enhanced disease control measures would bring a significant improvement in both the physical and well being of the animals who are being housed in our current facility.”

While the Humane Society handles all animals, their main focus is dogs. When the existing building was new, there were kennels for 48 dogs and 10 cats. Today, 20 kennels have been added and the shelter houses an average of 40-50 dogs. However, the condition of the aging building has been deteriorating to the point of being on its last legs.

“They were operating good with what they had” said RCHS Board President Johnnie Johnson, referring to when he joined the board “and we totally appreciate that, but we’ve gotta keep moving forward into the future – take the next step – build something beautiful people will be proud of and will serve a function better than this building.”

In a previous interview with Litter Media, Thomas said each dog will have more space individually, but the RCHS won’t be housing more dogs. “There’s a difference between how many dogs can you put in a space versus how many dogs can you responsibly care for”, said Thomas. She added the standards in animal sheltering have changed since the late 1990s. “The plan is to provide the community with happier, healthier, more mentally sound pets” said Thomas.  

The new structure will be built to the north side of the existing building on Lick Run Road. Once completed, the old building will be removed. In addition to increased kennel space, the new home will have natural light for dogs, an adopter room, flex space for behavior assessments, cross contamination control, a surgery suite, dedicated hospital and office space for the Ross County Dog Warden as well as a private intake area for the stray dogs being checked in.

“If you’ve been in the facility, you know how badly it’s needed” said Ross County Commissioner Dwight Garrett. “Larry Gates and Ed Kunzelman – they were big drivers behind this and the County decided to pitch in a little bit of money, too and I think it’ll be a great day when this building goes up.”

While the groundbreaking took place in May of 2024 the capital campaign isn’t complete and the fundraising continues. Thomas says they’re $500,000 shy of their goal. The next big fundraiser is scheduled for July 13th at the Chillicothe Elks Lodge, called “Dueling For Dogs” featuring Greg Higley and Cleveland Keys in a dueling pianos performance. Tickets are $25 each or $300 for a table of eight. For more details, reach Jan Nusbaum – 740-703-5082.

CLICK HERE to make a contribution to the campaign or to learn more.