The Palm Valley Animal Society broke ground on Wednesday on a $6.1 million expansion of its Laurie P. Andrews facility in Edinburg.

Construction crews are on site, and the project includes adding three new buildings. Funding is coming from Hidalgo County, McAllen and private donors.

On the south side of the shelter, a new building will provide space for 218 kennels. The project will also add a new intake center that will also be used for testing, quarantine, and vaccinations.

Creating more indoor space is a priority for Palm Valley Animal Society.

"We have staff and we have dogs suffering this heat right now, so imagine having buildings like the warehouse, admissions, and our general housing with climate control," PVAS Community & Engagement Director Alejandro Garcia said.

The expansion will also help the organization close its Trenton facility, where many animals are currently kept outside. That location is expected to close in April 2028.

The project is expected to be completed in 18 months. Currently, Palm Valley Animal Society is caring for 787 animals.

Details on how to foster and adopt the animals in the shelter are available online.