The first phase of Pima County’s animal shelter renovation is 70 percent done, and the project is nearing the second of two phases of construction.

Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) will occupy nearly twice the square footage as it currently does when the work is complete, with upgraded facilities keeping cats and dogs in separate quarters, better lighting and ventilation for animals and larger housing space.

Additionally, the size of the veterinary clinic will expand, animals will have multiple “play yards” and humans can spend time with potential pets in new meet-and-greet spaces, according to an announcement.

Phase 1 involves exterior building work, roofing, entrance and parking facilities; Phase 2 will focus on interior renovations. PACC attained professional design input from two animal shelter consultants: Animal Arts Design and the University of California at Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, with assistance from design firm Line and Space.

“This new facility is going to be a game changer for PACC,” Kristen Auerbach, PACC director, said in a statement. “The community support and anticipation around the construction has been incredible. The new PACC was designed with the care of the pets in mind and we can’t wait to open the doors to Phase 1 in December.”