Valley Falls ? Jefferson County’s first and only animal shelter is now in operation.

The Jefferson County Humane Society shelter opened its cages for business Monday at 15295 Kansas Highway 4 in Valley Falls. The shelter hopes to have hours of operation established next week. Anyone wanting to bring an animal or visit the shelter should call (785) 945-6600 for an appointment.

The shelter has room for 150 animals, manager Dianne Welsh said. The shelter is in a building that once housed a veterinary clinic. Jefferson County is funding the shelter, but donations also are accepted, Welsh said.