Austin’s wayward puppies and kitties have a better shelter to go to if they’re picked up by community service officers.

The Austin Police Department’s new animal control shelter was finished last week and police expect to move into the new facility later this week.

“It’s great,” Police Chief Brian Krueger said during a tour of the building. “It definitely will make things easier.”

Krueger and Public Works Director Steven Lang gave the Austin City Council a tour of the facility Tuesday before the council’s meeting.

The 2,200 square-foot shelter has been in the works for several years. The council set aside about $250,000 in 2011 for the project, which would upgrade the city’s current shelter near the wastewater treatment plant. That shelter is decades old, according to city officials, and slightly cramped for the animals.

While the new shelter will still house the same amount of animals — about 16 dogs and 16 cats — the shelter has an updated design that allows for better cleaning, more space for dogs when the shelter isn’t at occupancy and better utilities.

“It looks like the animals will be better taken care of,” Council Member Michael Jordal said.

The shelter, at 103 22nd St. SE, is next to the Mower County Humane Society, which will help officers and volunteers better coordinate to take care of animals.

“It’s a win-win for everyone involved,” Krueger said.