Hopkins County's animal shelter is moving forward with plans to rebuild after devastating tornadoes damaged its longtime facility last year, according to Public News Service.

An EF3 tornado struck the region in May 2024, destroying homes and displacing numerous pets. The Hopkins County Humane Society's facility on Laffoon Trail was heavily damaged and subsequently demolished. Now, with help from the nonprofit Humane World for Animals, the organization is planning a new shelter that will house more than 100 dogs, compared to just 14 dog runs in its current temporary facility.

The new permanent facility will cost approximately $2 million, with a $50,000 grant from Humane World for Animals helping offset costs. Executive Director Dustin Potenza said the shelter currently operates at maximum capacity and maintains an intake waitlist while awaiting the new building.

"What we're doing now is an intake waitlist," Potenza explained. "As we have space available, we start working on that list to bring more animals in. So we are always at max capacity at this current facility."

The larger facility is designed to better accommodate different types of animals and provide improved protection from weather extremes. Construction is expected to take 12 to 18 months once underway. During natural disasters, pets face risks including dehydration, exposure, disease, and illness without veterinary care.

Todd Blevins, Kentucky state director for Humane World for Animals, noted that the region has learned important lessons about ensuring pets are not forgotten during emergencies. Many pet owners were forced to temporarily relinquish animals while finding stable housing after the tornado.

The organization recommends pet owners prepare emergency kits including a crate, leashes, five days of food and water, bowls, and a manual can opener. Pet owners should also ensure animals are properly identified with collar tags containing a cellphone number and keep recent photos available.