A ⁤prominent ⁤animal welfare organization ⁤is aiming to expand its reach with a​ proposed facility in Woodbury that could⁢ provide medical care for stray dogs and​ cats.

Best ‌Friends Animal Society, ‍a⁣ nonprofit ‍based in Utah with multiple⁣ locations across the⁣ country, has unveiled plans ‌for​ a 14,000 square-foot building on Crossways Park ⁢Drive. This ‌facility woudl be transformed into a site⁢ capable of treating animals⁣ from various shelters along the⁤ East ​Coast. The organization intends to perform​ necessary procedures to prepare these pets for adoption.

Marlan roberts,the executive director of Best Friends Animal Society in New York city,noted that the organization collaborates with around 5,000 shelters and rescue groups nationwide,many of⁤ which are underfunded.

“Our goal is to create​ a significant operation that enhances‍ lifesaving efforts and expands‌ our initiatives in New York City,” Roberts stated during a phone⁤ interview. “We are genuinely looking to establish a facility that can support⁤ our local animals.”

The organization’s adoption center located ​in ⁤Manhattan’s SoHo district partners with ​smaller shelters that ofen lack adequate‌ staffing or‍ medical resources needed to care for their ⁣populations of dogs and cats. The nonprofit expressed‍ its desire ‍for more space‌ within⁤ this new‌ facility to comply ‍with regulations ​mandating ‍separate housing‍ and support​ areas for ⁤dogs ⁤and cats.

The proposed site would accommodate approximately 50 cats and 30⁣ dogs. It aims to offer spay/neuter services and also ​vaccinations and other medical treatments necessary for making pets ready for adoption.

garret Gray, an attorney representing the ⁣nonprofit, mentioned ⁢at a recent city board meeting that this ‌facility may not ‍be open to‍ the public or‍ provide ⁢boarding services. Though, he indicated that the​ city’s planning board suggested applying⁤ for specific permits related ‌to boarding facilities in​ order‌ to adhere‌ strictly to ‍city​ regulations.

“The primary purpose of this property will be ⁢focused on animal lifesaving efforts and supporting adoptions,” Gray explained. “Any​ short-term overnight⁤ housing will only serve as an ancillary‌ function.”

Roberts expressed⁣ intentions of collaborating with ‍Long Island ⁢shelters—including those ‍operated by ​the city—if their proposal ⁣receives approval.

Laurie Scarpa, deputy ‍commissioner of Public​ Works overseeing⁤ municipal shelter​ operations, confirmed there is ‍currently no⁢ overcapacity issue at their shelter.