LEVERETT - The Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society is planning to expand its Leverett adoption center in a bid to improve its services and enhance its presence in Franklin and Hampshire counties, the organization's director said Monday.

Leslie Harris, Dakin executive director, said the organization is making "modest renovations" to the building in order to improve its housing for cats and dogs while simultaneously allowing for expanded office, storage and community meeting space.

The decision means that the organization will continue to make Leverett its base of operations for the northern Pioneer Valley following 10 years of contemplating its future, Harris said.

Dakin had been evaluating its presence in Franklin and Hampshire counties, since the organization bought the former Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals building in Springfield in 2009, she said. The building now houses Dakin's administrative and educational operations, as well as adoption services for Hampden County.

Dakin nonetheless wanted to maintain a presence in the "upper Valley," Harris said, adding that the organization had researched whether it should remain in Leverett or move to a new location to better serve Franklin and Hampshire counties. Ultimately, the decision was to remain in Leverett, she said.

"We came to the choice that it has been a successful location for us. It's scenic and we have the ability to expand," Harris said. "Really, what we are doing in Leverett is trying to improve conditions: more humane housing for cats, more humane housing for dogs. ... It will spruce the building up and make it more attractive to the neighborhood."

She said the renovations should assuage the worries of people in Franklin and Hampshire counties who had been concerned about Dakin's commitment to the area after moving to Springfield two years ago.

The move improved Dakin's organizational capacity, she said, meaning it is now better suited to deliver pet-food aid, low-cost spaying and neutering services and animal adoptions throughout the Valley, Harris said.

The renovated Leverett facility will enhance the organization's services, Harris said.

Specifically, Dakin is planning to build a nearly 1,300-square-foot addition to the north end of the building, replacing insulation, installing a more efficient heating and electrical system and providing full accessibility for people with disabilities.

Dakin has already removed a trailer to the rear of the building which once served as the organization's offices, she said. The remaining renovations are subject to the approval of the Leverett Zoning Board of Appeals, which is scheduled to next meet in January.