NORTH FORSYTH — Forsyth County is slated to open the county’s new animal shelter on Friday.

A ribbon cutting ceremony is set for 3 p.m. at the facility, which is off Ga. 400 at 4065 County Way in north Forsyth.

Chris Peninger, the shelter’s manager, invited residents to join officials for the ceremony, which will be followed by tours of the site.

“Those who are unable to join us … are certainly encouraged to visit us at their convenience to see this great new facility,” Peninger said.

Construction of the some 13,700-square foot facility was funded by an extension of the 1-cent sales tax program, which voters approved in 2011.

The facility will replace the county’s current shelter on Old Atlanta Road. That site is operated in partnership with veterinarian Lanier Orr from Orr Animal Hospital

The new shelter was originally scheduled to open Aug. 1, but was pushed back due to slight construction delays. Work began in March 2013.

The shelter will feature nine staff members. Peninger came on board earlier this year as the manager.

The shelter will be able to house 100 to 200 cats and dogs, which will be available for the public to adopt, at a time.

All incoming animals will receive several vaccinations on site, and a veterinarian will be available to care for them.

After it opens, the shelter’s hours for adoptions will be 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The hours to drop off or reclaim an animal will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.