Kentucky Humane Society Announces $37 Million Expansion to Build New Animal and Community Campus
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — The Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) has announced a major expansion with plans to build a new 54,000-square-foot Animal and Community Campus, which will allow all of its animal care, adoption, and veterinary services to operate under one roof.
Construction on the $37 million facility is set to begin in November, and the organization has already raised more than $21 million toward the project.
New Campus to Expand Services and Access to Care
The new facility, located off Preston Highway, is designed to meet growing demand for animal care services both in the Louisville metro area and across Kentucky.
KHS President and CEO Alisa Gray said the expansion is a critical step toward increasing accessibility and improving care statewide.
“It’s the best time possible to do something like this,” Gray said. “It’s needed for our city and our state. Right now, access to care is very difficult for people.”
The new campus will expand kennel capacity by 30%, allowing the organization to take in and care for more dogs and cats. It will also increase adoptions by 30%, totaling more than 7,000 adoptions annually.
Expanding Veterinary and Community Services
In addition to adoption and sheltering, the new facility will include expanded veterinary and low-cost clinic services, with capacity to serve 6,000 people each year.
KHS also plans to increase spay and neuter surgeries to 13,000 annually, helping reduce overpopulation in shelters.
“The need is higher than ever,” Gray said. “Due to the impact of COVID, we estimate that 2.8 million spay and neuter surgeries were lost nationwide. This new facility will help us close that gap.”
The campus will also feature an animal food bank, temporary housing for displaced pets after natural disasters or cruelty cases, and expanded community outreach programs.
Focus on Pet Retention and Affordability
Gray emphasized that one of the organization’s top priorities is keeping pets with their families by addressing the financial challenges that often force owners to surrender their animals.
“People need help with medical bills, buying food for their animals, and finding pet-friendly housing,” Gray said. “Our goal is to focus on pet retention efforts — keeping pets in homes and providing families the support they need.”
The Animal and Community Campus will also serve as a hub for education and emergency response, offering programs that help owners care for their pets responsibly and humanely.
Fundraising and Next Steps
KHS continues to fundraise toward the project’s $37 million goal and encourages community members to contribute. Donations can be made through the organization’s official website.
Construction is expected to begin in November, with the facility expected to open once fully funded and completed.
For updates on the Kentucky Humane Society’s expansion and other animal welfare initiatives, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.