One of the province's largest animal rescues is celebrating a new capital announcement.

The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society serves Calgary, the Foothills, and Edmonton and will be opening a new safe haven and veterinary hospital for homeless animals in southeast Calgary.

Deanna Thompson, executive director of AARCS, says financial stress from vet bills and the economy lead to the decision to move to a larger space.

"Our biggest expense is veterinary costs and with the downturn in the economy and the struggles everyone's having, non-profits are feeling it as well, we decided that the best way to lower our costs is to do our veterinary treatments in-house."

The spacious new facility is 13,000 square feet and will feature additional space to house dogs and cats and will include 2,000 square feet for the veterinary hospital.

AARCS new space ready for renovations. (Photo Courtesy: AARCS)

Thompson says they'll be able to do everything under one roof.

"From vaccines and spay/ neuters, that sort of regular stuff... also a lot of the animals we bring in have high medical needs whether it be being shot, mange, broken bones, all that kind of stuff, we'll now be able to treat in-house."

Renovations on the space will begin shortly with the goal of opening sometime this spring.

AARCS is currently looking to raise $500,000 to help cover the costs of renovations and equipment for their new veterinary hospital.

Equipment they're fundraising for includes an anaesthesia system, autoclave and ultrasonic cleaner, defibrillator, centrifuge and blood analyzers, diagnostic and monitoring equipment, surgery and exam tables, IV pump and pole, exam and surgery lighting, wet table/treatment table, emergency kit, cabinetry, x-ray machine, and isolation and recovery kennels.

To learn more about how to support AARCS and their fundraising efforts click here.

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