Facility upgrades and improved sustainability are the goals for the Pembina Valley Humane Society in 2017.

Following the organization's annual general meeting on Monday in Morden, renovations will be made to the 20 dog kennels which will make them easier to clean for staff and volunteers.

"Having seams in the kennels, they get full of gunk and fur," said recently appointed chair of public relations, Megan Rodgers. "So, having a seamless design, the dirt won't build up in the kennels."

Work on the kennel upgrades will begin in the next month. Foster families will house the dogs during the construction process. The estimated cost is slightly over $34,000, most of which will be funded through grants and partly sponsored by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.

A digital renovation is also on the way for the PVHS, as its website was long overdue for an update, according to Rodgers.

"We had a lot of old information on our website," she said.

"We want to be able to present [information] better to the public so it's not so hard to find what they're searching for. As well, we think that having a clean and fresh appearance will increase the traffic flow and result in more animals being adopted," said Rodgers.

The PVHS plans to counterbalance the cost of the kennel upgrades and new website by having its fundraisers sponsored in 2017. Last year's events raised $50,700, an excellent total for the organization which sold out tickets to three of those fundraisers. The upcoming Steak Supper fundraiser is in its 10th year and is the longest-running fundraiser for the PVHS.

"We have a really solid team in place," Rodgers reflected, "We're looking forward to everything 2017 is going to bring."

One of the 20 or so old kennels being upgraded. The seamless design will prevent build-up of dirt and everyday grime in the cracks of the various panels