GRAND FORKS — Circle of Friends Humane Society helped thousands of animals find forever homes this year. Now, the humane society is looking for some help of its own.
The humane society found homes for more than 2,000 animals by September. It's a number it usually doesn't see until the end of the year.
The animal shelter's managers say the need for help only continues to grow.
ADVERTISEMENT
"We just have so many animals that need care that hallways get full, offices get full," said Executive Director Lauralee Tupa.
The garage at Circle of Friends is one of the new work spaces for employees.
"We don't have adoption rooms anymore because there's too many animals that have special care needs," Tupa said. "So we need adoption rooms and also a place for volunteers to come in."
The shelter's solution is a potential expansion project and renovation. It's unclear how much it could cost as the details are still being finalized. But the Tupa hopes to have a surgery center on site for their animals.
"We just want to look at it and make sure we can give everybody a solid plan," she said.
Plans for the parking lot are also changing.
Circle of Friends is hoping to catch about $3,000 in donations to replace the lights.
"Our parking lot lights have completely gone out," Tupa said. "So they are broke in different ways."
ADVERTISEMENT
They're hoping to add more parking spaces and a better lit path to cars.
Circle of Friends hopes to roll out its plans next spring. Until then, they're hoping you'll think of them when you're donating to charity this Christmas.
"If you're at a place where you're willing to give this holiday season that could be a great gift," Tupa said.
The number of foster animals has nearly doubled this year from 300 to 500 as well.
Circle of Friends could look to ask investors for the money but they'll know more once plans are finalized.
