Far too often families adopt a pet next to a family surrendering theirs - or worse asking the Animal Rescue League to euthanize one. With help of a public fundraising effort, ARL officials hope to change that at the Dedham shelter with a major overhaul.

Built in 1985, the shelter on Anna's Place fit the mold of its day, but manager Lisa Lagos said Saturday at an open house that they've outgrown the facility - and much has changed in research of animal behavior and needs.

The renovation includes a new cat and dog area, a new outside dog space as well as a small surgery room. 

But those features aren't what has many within ARL most excited.

For the first time, they will have separate locations for adoptions and animal surrenders, which will help people through what is often a difficult process, several ARL representatives said.

The $2.7 million project received some funding from within the non-profit organization, however ARL of Boston is seeking to raise $1.2 million to pay for the rest of the project. 

With the help of some grants and schoolchildren, ARL has raised $420,000 to date, according to John J. Bowen, president of ARL.