SUMMERDALE — A newly constructed Baldwin County Animal Shelter intake building has started assisting in the way animals are cared for and find their forever home.

With new upgrades, features and functionalities, BCAS wants to prioritize the well-being of animals while providing a more inviting space for potential adopters.

BCAS manager George Majors said this intake building was built to ensure the best living quality for the animals who will be in this shelter. It features an on-site generator and air filtrations system, sally ports and isolation areas for disease control.

"The new facility is also much better suited to hand inclement weather and minimize the potential of having to evacuate during inclement weather," Majors said

The BCAS manager said the animals are given a larger kennel space with more outdoor availability.

The involvement of the community has been an aspect of the project.

"Public input was considered during the planning phase of the new facility through the public involvement and input meetings," Majors said. "We also coordinate routinely with a number of private rescue services, as well as individual citizens that contact us directly with ideas."

The project broke ground in late 2021 and early 2022 with an estimated timeline of 14 months. With the new intake building being complete, Majors said this facility is now operational and the old intake building is currently being demolished.