A project 20 years in the making, the Berrien County Animal Control officially opened its new facility to the public on Monday, June 20.

Construction on the $3 million facility began in October and staff began moving into the offices in early June.

Director Val Grimes said the 12,500-square-foot facility has many advantages over its 3,000-square-foot predecessor, including more space to house animals, kennels and floors that are easily cleaned, a separate area for horses and other large animals and a clinic room where animals can be treated for medical issues.

“It just makes it better for everyone. It is a healthier and more uplifting environment for the animals, the staff and the officers,” she said. “There is more availability for adoptions and improved safety and welfare for the strays.”

The new facility also offers designated areas where people can meet and greet adoptable dogs and cats.

Grimes said even the paint scheme, which incorporates bright colors, is an improvement over the old facility.

“The list goes on and on. There is not enough time to talk about everything,” she said.

Grimes said the facility is large enough that it can house adoptable animals separately from ones that were picked up as strays or through other means.

“It helps keep the animals healthy,” she said.

The facility also has separate areas for exotic animals (lizards, snakes), small farm animals (rabbits, chickens), larger farm animals (pigs, goats) and horses.

Although the facility is open, Grimes said staff still has some unpacking and settling in left to do. She hopes to host an open house for the public by mid-July.

“I am very grateful to the county and especially grateful for all the donations,” said Grimes, adding that animal control received $800,000 in donations toward the new shelter over the past 10 years.

Grime said the former Animal Control Facility will be used as an emergency shelter.

Berrien County Animal Control is located at 1400 S. Euclid in Benton Harbor, just west of Lake Michigan College’s Napier Campus.

It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The facility can be reached by phone at (269) 927-5648