After battling through the pandemic and a multitude of hurricanes, the official campaign for the Cape Coral Animal Shelter to expand launched last Friday.

CCAS’s “Capital Campaign Kickoff Event” started Nov. 8, as the Board of Directors announced plans for a major expansion set to break ground in early 2025.

As part of the expansion, a 19,000-square-foot shelter facility is to be constructed adjacent to the existing building, and all shelter operations will be moved into a larger, state-of-the-art facility, which will more than triple CCAS’s current capacity for both dogs and cats.

CCAS officials said the expansion will allow them to take in more abandoned, unwanted animals to find their forever homes.

The current building will be reconstructed to expand to a larger, low-cost community veterinary clinic, adding additional exam rooms, expanded surgical suites, and recovery areas.

Officials said in a community where there are many people on fixed incomes, along with young couples who cannot afford care for their pets, CCAS hopes to help by provide a cutting-edge clinic with the best care available.

Founder and Board President JoAnn Elardo welcomed donors, dignitaries, and contractors who have supported the shelter and clinic thus far and shared her vision for the future of the organization.

“The Cape Coral Animal Shelter assists thousands of pet owners by providing low-cost veterinary care and finding loving homes for unwanted animals,” Elardo said. “However, with this expansion, we can do so much more. There are not many times in your life where you can donate directly to your community and actually see the difference your donation is making. With our naming rights, your children, grandchildren, friends and family can come to our shelter many years from now, see your name on a plaque, and know you were a part of something very special. It can be your legacy.”

Elardo also noted that other than the great impact the shelter has had on the animals of our community, the organization, in general, has contributed so much to Cape Coral and makes the city a better place to live.

“We employ 28 skilled employees and over 1,000 volunteers find that the time they spend at the shelter is so rewarding,” Eland said. “Those numbers will increase as we expand. The new building will be constructed by local contractors, suppliers, and craftsmen. This shelter is truly a valuable asset in our community, and we will continue to be. That has always been my vision for CCAS.”

For more information about this project, and for those interested in supporting the Cape Coral Animal Shelter’s new expansion, contact Executive Director Liz McCauley at 239-573-2002 (extension 101) or email liz@capecoralanimalshelter.com.

CCAS is at 325 Southwest 2nd Ave.

For more information on the shelter, visit CapeCoralAnimalShelter.com.