Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center – Description

 General:  The new 15,216 square foot facility will replace the existing 32-year old 7,000 square foot shelter, allowing focus on rescue and adoption rather than on “warehousing” stray, abandoned and abused animals. The building will be attractive and “user friendly” encouraging visitation by the public.  Use of natural light and open spaces will provide a positive and cheerful atmosphere. The design anticipates five years’ population growth with provision for at least three future additions.

Currently, the shelter is the temporary home for over 5,000 animals annually.   Up to 1,300 animals/year can be saved with the new shelter.

Adoption Areas:  The new shelter will almost triple the available space for cats and dogs.  Large adoption rooms with glass viewing panels will reduce stress on the animals while providing potential adopters with broader observation.  Animal habitats will be healthier with better air circulation and amenities.  “Get Acquainted” areas will allow better opportunity for selection of the “right” pet.  Canine outdoor runs will provide exercise and stress-reduction benefits.  Cats will have unrestricted movement, play and “safe” outdoor experience in the cat screened porch.

Space will be available for grooming and for canine obedience training, as well as for volunteer coordination and training.  Both puppy and kitten “families” will be able to remain together in their own space.

Operations & Technology:  The new construction will allow for up-to-date code compliance and operational efficiency.  Air circulation and drainage issues can be resolved.  Maintenance of the new facility will be easier, reducing staff/volunteer time needed for these duties.  Technology will be used to enhance both public interaction and staff efficiency.

Public Space:  The community/training room will provide space for public animal welfare education, as well as for after-hours public and private events.  The animal habitats can be secured while attendees use the large meeting room, restrooms and “coffee/serving counter.”  This public usage will promote more adoptions through awareness of the new facility.

On-site Veterinary Service:  Space is available for an on-site “Care Clinic,” providing triage, vaccinations, spay/neuter, minor wound attention, testing, and micro-chipping.  This will reduce both adoption costs to the public and rescue expense to the city and DASF.  It will give injured pets faster aid and identify disease issues before affecting the shelter population.  There is a separate entrance and lobby for the clinic.  There will be an advisory committee of local veterinarians involved in equipping, staffing, policies and procedures.

Energy Efficient:  The new center is designed for energy efficiency and intends to obtain LEED silver certification, maximizing resource conservation.

Landscaping:  The exterior space will enhance the attractiveness of the center while controlling maintenance expense.  The softscape, such as plants and gardens will consist of xeriscape plants as well as trees to provide shade in the summer and block cold winds during the winter.  The hardscape, such as paths, walkways and planters will be of durable materials designed to require minimum maintenance.

The new center will significantly increase capacity for immediate SHELTER – with the HOPE of long term adoption into loving homes!