According to a report by the Herald News in Rhea County, construction on the Rhea County Animal Shelter expansion is moving swiftly toward completion, with interior painting already underway. Funded largely by a legacy gift from the late Betty Plummer alongside support from local donors Shawn and Jennie Troutman, the project adds a 5,000-square-foot facility that effectively doubles the shelter’s capacity to serve vulnerable animals.

Key Features of the New Facility

• Enlarged Front Reception Area: Provides a welcoming entry for visitors.

• Dedicated Cat Rooms: Features two specialized rooms, including a free-roam space for potential adopters to play with the cats.

• Adoption & Interaction Spaces: Private rooms where potential adopters can meet and interact with animals before taking them home.

• Puppy Isolation Rooms: Safe spaces designed specifically to keep mothers and newborn puppies together and isolated.

• 44 Large Dog Kennels: Substantially increases overall capacity for housing rescued dogs.

• Future Utility Areas: Space allocated for obedience classes and an employee conference room.

The existing shelter building will remain operational, repurposed specifically to quarantine animals with behavioral issues or contagious diseases.

Community Leadership Reacts

“This will double our capacity. We’re making great progress, and the bulk of the project is winding down… This addition will be a game-changer for our shelter.”

— Cheyenne Swafford, Shelter Director

“This expansion represents so much more than just a bigger building — it’s a promise to the neglected, abandoned, or mistreated animals in our community that they matter.”

— Donna Vaughn, Board President

“The shelter is a critical part of how we protect animals and support their well-being within our community. It reflects our shared commitment to compassion, responsibility, and public service.”

— Mike Neal, Rhea County Sheriff

Updates on the facility’s completion and ways to support the expansion can be found on the shelter’s Facebook page.