‘A symbol of new beginnings’ [Video]

EVANSTON (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Evanston leaders have officially opened a new and improved animal shelter that aims to benefit animals across the county.

After five years of planning and almost two years of surviving in temporary facilities, Evanston’s brand new animal shelter is finally home.

“This is the first time the shelter has been in a building that was built for the purpose of being a modern animal shelter,” said Vicky Pasenko, the shelter’s executive director.

She said the new building is more than three times the size of the old one.

“That will allow us to do on-site veterinary care for the first time,” Pasenko said. “That eliminates time consuming trips to drive animals to the vets.”

The new shelter also features a pet pantry, space to increase the shelter’s custodial program, and a dedicated room for potential adopters to meet their pets, a pet pantry.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle called …