Humane Society Ready to Open Mansell Shelter

When the Atlanta Humane Society opens the doors of its new North Fulton campus on Saturday, the public will get to meet some 300 homeless pets that will call the Mansell shelter their new home until they are adopted.

The AHS expects to double the services it already provides at its Howell Mill campus.

"Our new campus will have a significant impact on the lives and well-being of animals – as well as families – throughout the North Fulton region and beyond," said William Shaheen, president of the AHS, in a press release. He said that he expects the new shelter to adopt out some 5,000 to 6,000 animals annually as does the organization's Howell Mill campus in Atlanta.

Earlier this year the non-profit organization bought a seven-acre car dealership on Mansell and has revamped the 32,000 square-foot facility with cage-free dog and puppy sections as well as free-roaming cat rooms and a one-acre Astroturf dog exercise area.

The society has launched a $10 million capital campaign to support the new facility, and so far more than $5 million has been donated. Donations can be mailed to 981 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30318, or made online at www.atlantahumane.org. For more information, call 404-875‐5331.

The shelter, located at 1565 Mansell Road, Alpharetta, just west of 400, celebrates its grand opening Saturday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event kicks off with a ribbon cutting with Shaheen, North Fulton mayors and state Sen. Johns Albers. Activities include tours, pets with Santa photos, dog training clinics, free raffle tickets and food and refreshments.