Carroll County Animal Protection League grand opening set for May 30

After more than a decade of planning and development, the Carroll County Animal Protection League will celebrate the opening of its new shelter with a grand opening and ribbon cutting May 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The facility, located at 4901 Canton Road NW, will be open to the public for tours during the event, with food also available as the organization marks a major milestone in its history.

“It feels like a dream come true after 19 years of planning, researching, fundraising and building,” organizers said in a joint statement. “Every person involved has one thing in common: a love for animals and a desire to see them cared for and placed in good homes.”

The project dates back to 2009, when the property was purchased with the goal of creating a dedicated space to care for domestic animals until they can be placed in permanent homes. The organization itself was formally founded in 2007 by Eileen Rohrer, who led early efforts to build support and raise funds for the shelter.

Construction began in 2015 following a groundbreaking ceremony, and the effort has gradually taken shape over the years into a full-service shelter designed to meet the needs of animals throughout Carroll County.

Early work on the facility included development of the building shell, utilities and kennel areas, with volunteers and contractors contributing to the project’s completion.

Director Lorna Lowell-Whaley, who has worked on the project for more than 15 years, said she is “over the moon” about the opening.

“It’s amazing that we got it done,” Lowell-Whaley said. “It is like sending a child through college and you finally let them go.”

The building includes spaces for intake, grooming and quarantine, as well as kennel areas and rooms where potential adopters can spend time getting to know animals. Outdoor space is also available to allow animals room for exercise.

The organization will operate as a no-kill shelter, focusing on care, rehabilitation and adoption while working to reduce the number of homeless animals in the area.

The grand opening celebration will begin with a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m., followed by tours led by board members, officers and volunteers. Food and beverages will be available for donation.

The CCAPL Board noted that animals will not be accepted during the event, with operations officially beginning June 1. At that time, the shelter will begin accepting animals and working with adopters.

Parking at the site is limited, and attendees are encouraged to carpool.

“Our leadership team strives to create an atmosphere of kindness and compassion for animals in need and the dedicated volunteers who care for them,” said Marci McLaughlin, president and treasurer. “The future success of the CCAPL will depend on the continued support of volunteers, donors and the community.”

The grand opening represents the culmination of years of work by volunteers and supporters and offers the community a first look at the completed facility.

More information about the organization, including how to purchase tickets for fundraising events, become a member or volunteer, donate or purchase needed shelter items through Amazon, is available at carrollcountyapl.com.