​The rain didn't stop demolition efforts in North county today

Demolition efforts were underway in North county this morning.

An automotive shop located at 11755 Benham Road was torn down to make way for the construction of a veterinarian clinic.

The campus will serve as the North branch of the American Protective Association (APA) and will eventually be home to two buildings.

"The buildings will be completed in two phases," said President and CEO of the APA, Sarah Javier. "The first one is 22-thousand-feet and that will include our adoption centers, there will also be a state-of-the-art veterinarian center, there will also be pet owner services."

Javier said construction of the first building is expected to be finished by Spring of 2027. It's location in North county was chosen for a reason.

"There is a large needed because pets in this area simply don't have access to things like veterinarian service, grooming, and other things they need to remain happy and healthy with their families," said Javier.

She said the clinic will offer services beyond standard adoptions and veterinarian care.

"We have a program called Safe Care, [where] people who are survivors of domestic violence can temporarily house their pets with us until they can get to safety and then we reunite them."

The construction efforts are being paid for by $30 million in ARPA funds.