Ross County Humane Society Begins Move Into Its New Home
Article presented by Pike County Career & Technology Center …
Chillicothe, Ohio — The Ross County Humane Society has officially completed its final inspection as of Friday and has begun the process of moving into its long-anticipated new facility.
This milestone marks the culmination of an ongoing capital campaign that began in 2021, with construction on the new facility starting in the fall of 2024. The project ultimately grew into an almost $4-million investment in the future of animal welfare in Ross County. After years of planning, fundraising, and community support, the organization is now entering its next chapter.
About the photo: RCHS Executive Director Jenn Thomas and Board Member Johnnie Johnson during the ceremonial groundbreaking in May 2024
Over the coming weeks, staff and volunteers will be carefully relocating equipment, supplies, and animals into the new space. This transition marks a significant step forward for the Humane Society, which has served the community for over a century and is now preparing to move out of its current building, constructed in 1997, to make way for its demolition.
As part of this transition, the Humane Society will also begin utilizing its new on-site surgery suite, which will host its first procedures on May 26 through the Rascal Veterinary Summer Mentorship Program in partnership with Rascal Unit. Led by Dr. Gonzalez, known by most as “Dr. G,” the program provides veterinary students with hands-on surgical training in a high impact, community-focused setting.
The Ross County Humane Society is proud to have sponsored two of the four veterinary students participating in this program. These first surgeries in the new space will be performed alongside students the organization has directly supported, making the milestone even more meaningful as it combines expanded medical capabilities with investment in the future of veterinary care. The shelter has been hosting lower cost spay/neuter clinics through RASCAL for the last 10 years.
About the photo: The reception desk awaits visitors.
In addition, Give Them Ten, a Cincinnati-based initiative focused on reducing cat overpopulation through spay and neuter efforts, has sponsored the remaining two veterinary students and is supporting the cost of feline surgeries, further expanding the reach and impact of the clinic.
While every effort will be made to maintain normal operations, the Humane Society is asking for patience and understanding from the community as hours of operation may be temporarily adjusted during the move.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Jenn Thomas, Executive Director of the Ross County Humane Society. “We’ve outgrown our current space in just about every way possible, and this new facility is going to allow us to do more, do it better, and serve both the animals and the community in a way we simply couldn’t before. It also means a much safer, cleaner environment for our staff and for the people who walk through our doors. There’s still a lot of work ahead of us over the next couple of weeks, but we’re ready to get started.”
Jodi Hart, Board President, emphasized the significance of the moment for the organization and its supporters. “This building represents years of planning, fundraising, and community support. So many people have played a role in getting us to this point. Watching it all come together is something we’re incredibly proud of, and we’re excited to see the impact it will have for years to come.”
About the photo: One of the new kennel wings
For staff, the move is both exciting and emotional. “I’ve spent nearly 12 years in our current building, so there’s definitely a mix of emotions walking out of it,” said Sarah Cantrell, Shelter Manager. “But seeing what this new space offers for the dogs and for the staff makes it easy to be excited. It’s safer, it’s cleaner, and it gives us the ability to do our jobs better every single day.”
The new facility has been designed to improve animal care, increase efficiency, and expand access to services for the community. Features include improved ventilation, dedicated intake and quarantine areas, multiple kennel wings, and an on-site surgery suite that will enhance medical capabilities while also providing a safer, cleaner working environment for staff and a more welcoming space for visitors.
As the organization transitions into this new chapter, community members are encouraged to stay updated through social media for the latest information on hours, services, and ways to support the move.
“We’re closing one chapter and starting an entirely new book,” Thomas added. “We just ask for a little patience while we get everything where it needs to be.”
