ROCKPORT and CAMDEN — With the announcement earlier this week that it had selected a contractor to renovate its new home on John Street in Camden, P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center said it is also closing in on the half-way mark in its $1 million capital campaign.

And when it sells its current home in Rockport, the capital campaign will be that much closer to $650,000, according to P.A.W.S. Executive Director Amie Hutchison.

The P.A.W.S. Board of Trustees last month voted unanimously to select Albertson Builders and Services as general contractor for its new facility at 123 John St. Originally formed in 1974 as the Camden-Rockport Animal Rescue League, P.A.W.S. has operated out of its Rockport facility on Camden Street since 2000.

Albertson Builders and Services in Rockport was established in 1992. Tom Albertson, firm president, an animal lover who was eager to be part of the "Forever Home" campaign with this project, said in the release, "I look forward to working with the P.A.W.S. board and staff to realize their vision for their new facility."

The project is the centerpiece of the organization's Forever Home capital campaign. With a goal of $1 million, the campaign is targeted to achieve this goal in time for the grand opening of the new center when renovations have been completed.

So far, $468,000 in gifts and pledges has been raised, said Hutchison, most of that in the form of gifts. She said the eventual sale the Camden Street property is anticipated to bring in $180,000 after closing costs.

It is estimated that all of the design and renovation costs to the John Street property, which was the former home of the former Camden First Aid Association, is around $515,000. The balance of the money raised will go toward the mortgage and any additional equipment needed, said Hutchison.

In announcing the selection P.A.W.S. Board President Joe Ryan said in a news release, "P.A.W.S. is delighted to have a local firm with such a terrific history in the Midcoast in charge of this project. Our capital campaign is focused on getting the work done to create a full-service community resource at the John Street building and provide a modern, efficient space for animal treatment and care that will be a community resource for many years to come. The Board is thrilled that Tom Albertson is going to make our dream a reality."

Changes to the exterior of the existing building, formerly an emergency ambulance headquarters, will be minimal as seen in the architect's rendering. Interior renovations will result in a substantial increase in animal treatment and care capacity, with separate dog and cat wings, as well as community meeting and training space, an outdoor exercise area and administrative offices.

Hutchison said they anticipate doubling their capacity for dogs, and increasing capacity for quality care as well. She said they hope to grow their volunteer program, which currently includes 60 active volunteers who help with everything from helping with mailing and events to walking dogs and socializing cats, as well as driving cats to banks for the P.A.W.S. satellite adoption program.

P.A.W.S. also employs five fulltime staff members and four part-time staff.

P.A.W.S. will continue to maintain its Rockport dog park, named for board member and benefactor Jean Kislak.

Hutchison said there are two key things she is looking forward to with the renovation and eventual relocation to John Street.

"I'm most excited about, one, our ability to improve the quality of care in this space. There will be separate spaces for incoming and housed animals, improved air quality, and individual and community housing for cats. We will be able to do a much better job of taking care of the animals while they are with us," said Hutchison.

"Then, the opportunity to be involved with the community in this space, to really turn it into a community center with programs," said Hutchison. "And then there is the separate space for people to hang out with an animal and get to know them, which will help us do a better job making matches."

Hutchison said the capital campaign committee continues to make visits and work with potential business and individual donors, as well as writing grants.

"We anticipate later this summer to hold more public fundraising events," said Hutchison. "There is a lot planned for the capital campaign, but we need to continue to fund-raise for daily operation costs as well."

P.A.W.S. depends on donations for a vast majority of its daily expenses, including food, veterinary care and keeping the lights on and water flowing.

"We make very little in fees, so with every animal we adopt out we are spending much more than what we might take in for an adoption feed. And businesses, supporters and events help make up the difference," said Hutchison.

For more information about P.A.W.S. Forever Home capital campaign visit the organization's website at www.pawsadoption.org or contact Executive Director Amie Hutchison at amieh@pawsadoption.org, 691-9198.

Reach Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com