ROCKPORT — A Maine animal shelter has plans to double its size so it can accept more animals.

Now officials with the Pets Are Worth Saving shelter of Rockport are trying to raise $1 million so they can meet their goal.

The shelter used to be known as the Camden-Rockport Animal Rescue League, recently bought 2.5 acres on Camden Street where it intends to build a 4,000-square-foot building.

The Bangor Daily News reports the existing 3,000-square-foot facility built in 2000, would be refurbished or torn down and rebuilt depending on which is less expensive.

Administrative Director Lisa Dresser says the existing shelter is over capacity and they sometimes have to turn people away.

The shelter accepts animals from Camden, Rockport, Belfast, Islesboro, Lincolnville, Northport, Searsmont and Liberty.