Carbon County’s animal shelter has a new visitor entrance.

Earlier this month, Commissioner Rocky Ahner announced that the county completed a renovation project of the former garage area of the shelter, located on the Broad Mountain in Nesquehoning, to create a waiting area for those who want to meet a dog.

The county buildings and grounds crew used pieces from 525 Iron St., Lehighton, a building Carbon just purchased for Children and Youth, to furnish the new space at the shelter.

Tom Connors, shelter director, said the project was good for people and the dogs.

“It’s going to make it safer,” he said. “It’s also going to make it quieter for the dogs so it will make it less stressful for them.”

The project was completed using donations the county received for the shelter over the years. Ahner said they recently received just under $2,000 in donations from area residents who support the shelter.

“We have a lot of support throughout Carbon County and beyond,” Connors said.

In addition to a new reception and waiting area, the county has installed a double door at the entrance of the kennels as a safety measure; as well as hired a part-time receptionist to help answer calls.

It also has an HVAC project in the works that Ahner hopes to finalize shortly. The county has earmarked $150,000 from American Rescue Plan funds for the project.

The shelter houses 10 dogs with space for 16. The problem is, as with all business, it is short on help.

For those who wish to adopt a dog, Connors said they should call the shelter at 570-325-4828 and set up a time to come in so that someone will be there to help them.

Hours for the shelter are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.