PARIS — USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel has announced that Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills has been selected to receive a Community Facilities Grant in the amount of $50,000 to acquire a new facility.

Grant funds will make it possible for Responsible Pet Care to purchase a 5,600 square foot building at 9 Swallow Road in Paris. The new building is bright with high ceilings and is more than double the size of its current building at 132 Waterford Road, Norway.

The new building will allow Responsible Pet Care, a no-kill, nonprofit and adoption shelter, to expand its feline and canine services while alleviating overcrowding, which was an issue in the smaller building. The new facility will also expand contracted veterinary services by offering a larger, more professional space for care.

“I am very pleased USDA Rural Development could provide a $50,000 grant to help fund a larger facility to provide for the hundreds of unwanted cats and dogs who end up at the shelter,” Manuel said. “This investment in Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills, Inc. ensures approximately 400 cats and 50 dogs are in better space while awaiting adoption to caring homes and a better life. Congratulations to the community, which has contributed an impressive $300,000 to make this beneficial project come to fruition.”

Responsible Pet Care was established in 1997 by a small group of people who recognized the plight of unwanted cats in the Oxford Hills community. This founding group pooled their money and purchased a very neglected piece of property on Route 118 in Norway that held two buildings. The better of the two buildings was cleaned, painted and fitted with cages and equipment to house cats and kittens. The organization’s new and much larger building was made possible through fundraising efforts.