The society's current facility is too small for the growing number of pets in need, according to a spokeswoman, and the new building will be much larger than its current facility, at 2101 NW 95th St. in Miami. The new headquarters offers a larger location in a safer neighborhood for pet adoption and public education, a spokeswoman says. The society plans to use the existing location for sick and medically treatable pets, and to train new animals for adoption, among other uses.

The new facility has been named the Fine-Soffer Shelter in honor of two main benefactors: Jeanette Fine and Brooke Soffer Perez, who have spearheaded the development. Fine, a South Florida philanthropist, is the wife of interior designer Ted Fine, founder of Home of Fine Decorators in Hallandale, FL. Soffer Perez is a philanthropist and daughter of Turnberry developer Don Soffer. Max Construction is the project's general con