Hill’s expansion approved by Shawnee County Commission

Changing demographics and sales trends in recent years have shown a move to people owning smaller dogs, and Topeka-based Hill’s Pet Nutrition is aiming to stay up with the changes.

To that end, Hill’s requested and was granted approval Monday from the Shawnee County Commission for a new 23,000-square-foot research building at its location at 1035 N.E. 43rd.

All three commissioners — Bob Archer, Kevin Cook and Bill Riphahn — voted in favor of the project.

The building will house up to 80 small dogs of 20 pounds or less, Gary Semjenow, facilities director at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, said at Monday morning’s meeting.

While the building will be considered a “research facility,” Semjenow said, it will mainly test the types of foods smaller dogs prefer. Hill’s officials said the flavor, shape and size of the dog food would be among areas of focus.