The Bloomington Redevelopment Commission approved a $1.94 million contract Monday to renovate the Bloomington Animal Shelter.
A 2011 building analysis found renovations were needed to provide the animals with better care.
Director of Animal Care and Control Virgil Sauder says the shelter's long-needed expansion will help with the health and mental well-being of the animals.
"Our cat holding area for our stray cats is sandwiched between two dog area," Sauder says. "So if you can imagine barking dogs and cats, it's never gone well."
The renovation will also expand areas for the public, staff, and volunteers. Sauder says the extra space will allow more people to visit with animals and provide opportunities for education and community outreach.
"The best way, of course, we can help animals in this community is by helping people and interacting with the people in the community because they're the ones providing care at the end of the day," Sauder says.
The projected is expected to be complete by January 2018.