This facility, consisting of approximately 18,000 conditioned square feet, is a non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to respond humanely to the needs of animals in Avery County. The society was founded in 1978 and relocated to their new facility in 2012.

The Board of Directors wanted their new building to reflect the GREEN building and energy trends so prevalent in today’s construction practices and techniques. Utilizing an active solar collection system, water catchment system and state-of-the-art mechanical, ventilation and air conditioning system, the employees and volunteers can more directly focus on their inhabitants’ care and comfort. The design includes office space, entry/reception/waiting, adoption rooms, cat condos, dog and puppy kennels, feed rooms, storage, stray shelter area, exterior dog runs and an elevator on the main level. The lower level consists of an entry, community meeting rooms, office space, veterinary offices, exam rooms, surgical rooms, recovery suites and storage areas. This is a full-service facility housing, caring for and addressing health needs of approximately 95 animals, while receiving upwards of 1,500 visitors a year.

It was important to the Board for the building to reflect the comfortable, easy-going lifestyle of this mountain community, and be a welcoming and warm place for both human and furry inhabitants.