Two improvements at the Pearl River County SPCA will make the lives of the animals better as they wait for their forever home, but some funding is needed to complete the second part of the improvements.

Both improvements were funded with grants, or a combination of grants and local donations.

On the canine side of the facility, extensive repairs to the kennels were constructed using a $25,000 grant from the Petco Foundation. PRC SPCA Director Judy Wheaton said the repairs involved replacement of aging fence posts and chain link panels to remove any rusty parts that could injure the animals. Wheaton said the work replaced all of the rusty components of the kennels with heavy duty grade fencing and posts.

On the other side of the facility where the cats and kittens are kept, construction of a 720-square-foot addition will add separate cat and kitten adoption rooms, a second laundry room, and a cat intake room. A break room for the staff will also be part of the renovation.

Costs for the construction are being paid for using a $25,000 grant from Pet Smart, and $100,000 in donations from the community, Wheaton said.

While funding for the construction of the addition is covered, Wheaton said the shelter still needs another $5,000 to cover the cost of a new washer and dryer, stainless steel table and a stainless steel sink.

Anyone who would like to donate can do so by stopping by the shelter, located at 1700 Palestine Rd., calling the office at 601-798-8000 or via the Paypal link on the website.