Pictured (L-R): Roy West (PS West Construction), Joni Berry, Josh Tucker, Barbara West, Patrice Reynolds, Greg & Emma Biffle,Maria Haughton, Jonathan Zulman, John Kasberger, Teddi Raymer, Robin Smith Salzman. Photo credit: David Edwards Photography

Jan. 11. Friends of the Animals has secured a new site for an 11,500-square-foot Pet Education and Adoption Center in Mooresville. The search for new land took more than a year—utilities were the hold-up at the old site—but the pet rescue organization will remain in the same vicinity off I-77 between Exit 31 and Exit 33.

“We will be poised to serve the entire Lake Norman area, and are delighted by the beautiful 2.6 acres on Templeton Road that has the feel of a sanctuary,” says FOTA’s board president, Maria Haughton. Board member and two-time NASCAR champion Greg Biffle said he is involved because of his love for his own dogs as well as the stories of thousands of mistreated animals across the country. “It’s tragic that 77 dogs and cats a day are euthanized in the greater Lake Norman region,” says Biffle.  “When we started dreaming of this project some time ago, it was close to 100.  The new center will help save more homeless dogs and cats in our community!”

The construction of the Pet Education and Adoption Center will enable Friends of the Animals to fulfill its mission to promote responsible pet ownership, provide low-cost spay/neuter services and promote adoption of homeless pets.

The new facility will include boarding space for adoptable dogs and cats, a medical clinic and education center.  Low cost spay/neuter services will be phased in after the center is open as well as educational programming for students.

Construction is expected to begin in the spring and be completed by the end of the year. Initial plans to build the center off Langtree Road at Exit 31 were modified when it was determined infrastructure would not be available for several years.