Animal house ribbon cutting/open house draws large crowd

Tri-County Technical College’s Veterinary Technology Department and the Foundation hosted a ribbon cutting and open house celebration October 22 for the new kennel and housing facilities on the Pendleton Campus. The ribbon cutting for the Expanded Animal Housing and Learning Facility was followed by student-led tours of the new facility, which features 33 indoor/outdoor canine runs and the capacity to house 28 cats, food storage, bathing areas and laundry and storage rooms. The highlight is an isolation ward/suite that meets AVMA accreditation standards.

Last year officials broke ground on the new facility and launched a campaign to raise funds for scholarships and animals’ medical needs.

The 5,500-square-foot Expanded Animal Housing and Learning Facility opened this summer and replaces the aging kennel formerly located behind Halbert Hall. The new facility was built behind Halbert Hall which was re-purposed for class space, surgical needs and labs.

Tri-County President Ronnie L. Booth, center, was joined by Veterinary Technology faculty, students, alumni, and supporters to cut the ribbon on the new Expanded Animal Housing and Learning Facility. Pictured from left are adjunct faculty member and alumna Nikki Smith; instructor Stephanie Brown; Department Head Ashley Brady; longtime supporter Henry Harrison, Dr. Jim Mullikin, chair of the advisory committee; Dr. Elizabeth Bryan, staff veterinarian; Dr. Kyle Powell, veterinarian at Anderson County P.A.W.S.; retired department head Dr. Peggy Champion; Jess Owen; and adjunct instructor and alumna Christee Williams.