BATAVIA, OHIO (Nov. 3, 2025) – Crews have begun work on a project that will more than double the number of outdoor kennels at the Clermont County Animal Shelter.

The $141,000 expansion will be located within the outdoor kennel area’s existing footprint. It will allow for 30 additional kennels, up from the shelter’s current total number of 23 outdoor kennels. The new kennels will be installed in an open area between the existing kennels. They will be about the same size as the existing kennels but made of special materials designed for dogs to reduce wear and tear from biting and chewing.

Shelter staff use the outdoor kennels to temporarily house dogs outside while crews clean the indoor kennels. The outdoor kennels are important because they also give the dogs the opportunity to get some fresh air and sunshine.

Due to space constraints, staff currently take dogs to the outdoor kennels a few at a time while they hose down, clean and refresh the indoor kennels. Staff clean the indoor kennels every morning and more frequently, if needed.

The expansion is important because it will allow staff to relocate most of the dogs in the shelter’s care at once, rather than a few a time.  This will allow staff to clean the indoor kennels much more efficiently.

Meanwhile, another remodeling project to create a new laundry facility for the shelter is progressing rapidly.

Construction crews are nearly half finished with the $78,920 project, which will accommodate a new industrial-style washer, dryer and dishwasher. It includes interior electric and plumbing upgrades as well as drywall and flooring work. The long-anticipated project is funded by a donation and county capital funds.