MIDDLEBORO — Dogs at the Middleboro Animal Shelter will soon have a larger and more comfortable space to play in.

Animal Control Officer Kevin Racicot hopes the pups will not need to use it for long.

Finding good homes for the animals at the shelter remains the goal, he said.

But while they are staying at the shelter, they will soon be able to stretch their legs and romp in a formerly wooded lot adjacent to the shelter at 50 Joe Ciaglo Way.

“The play yard is essential for our shelter dogs to provide them a dedicated space where they can safely exercise, explore, and socialize,” Racicot said.

This addition supports the dogs’ “physical and mental well-being,’’ he said.

Trees were cleared and a hill was removed to level off the area, Racicot said. Fencing will be placed around the area and either grass or artificial turf will be installed.

The play yard will be roughly 43 yards long and 25 yards wide.

The new canine playground will replace a very limited space where the dogs can be let out now. The current site is on asphalt around the building, which Racicot described as less than ideal.

The goal is to complete the project in late August and to welcome the dogs into the play area by September, he said.

No public funds are being used for the play area, Racicot said. The project is being funded by donations.

Casey Cash of Boy Scout Troop 31 will soon be adding another new feature to the shelter. He is building a donation box that can accommodate donations of food and supplies. This will be sturdier and larger than the current box, which is not waterproof.

The shelter houses animals that are either strays or have been surrendered by owners unable to keep them. Since September 2022, 36 dogs and 14 cats and kittens have been adopted out.

Racicot has rescued baby squirrels, swans and raccoons, among other creatures. If time doesn’t allow him to immediately send them to a wildlife rehabilitator, he will hold the critters overnight at the shelter “to make sure they stay safe’’ until they can be transported.

The shelter, which has been at its present location since 1975, does not have set hours for the public because the nature of Racicot’s job keeps him on the road often.

“Hopefully down the line’’ the shelter can be opened for public visits on set hours, he said.

 For more on the shelter, including donation information and volunteer opportunities, call 508-946-2455 or email kracicot@middleboroughma.gov.