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An update on our ongoing kennel renovations...
After years of heavy use, what was once considered a modern improvement from the non-profit and municipal pounds now appears dark, dirty and depressing. The staff and volunteers do an amazing job at keeping the shelter immaculate and as comfortable as possible, but despite their amazing efforts the shelter cages are not ideal. This adds to the stress a dog faces when placed at AWA for adoption.
In addition to a poor appearance, the kennels have some significant deficiencies in regards to the health and safety of the animals they house. The many layers of paint are peeling from the concrete and the metal of the kennels is corroded and no longer easily disinfected.
The kennel panels do not reach the floor allowing waste to easily pass underneath from one kennel to another. The chain link wire of the kennel doors is rusted, twisted and bent. Tragically dogs’ tails have also suffered when they catch the attention of a dog in the neighboring cage. Tails have been injured from being tugged under the kennel panel. Dogs nuzzle against the old wire and it scrapes their noses and often we see rough sore noses which are susceptible to infection.
Thankfully, the structure of the building is sound, the kennel panels and doors can easily be replaced and the concrete can be sealed with an attractive epoxy coating. The weather is starting to warm up and we would like to start this project during the last week of March. We will place our dogs in temporary housing while the new kennel is installed. This project is only possible because of your generous support. The estimated project total is near $56,000. A $10,000 grant, received from the South Jersey Charitable Foundation, has been our “keystone” in funding for the project. Without this support we may never have been able to move ahead and the living conditions of the dogs in our care would not be improved. Everyone is very excited to be moving ahead!
Benefits to the animals
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24 new kennels that will improve the living environment for the dogs because:
- Reduced noise levels inside the facility.
- Glass and privacy panels allow for no accidental human finger injury and no little dog paws being trapped.
- The privacy panels also reduce stress for the dogs. When dogs face each other and become excited by everyone walking by and other dogs going outside they can become overly stimulated and the stress increases, the barking increases, and at times you have the frustration become too much that you see redirected aggression, barrier frustration and some dogs are overcome by the heightened stress that they quake in fear and seek to hide from people.
- Installation of a speaker system so classical music can be played during the day. Classical music has been proven to lower stress in dogs.
- Painting the kennel to provide a more bright and cheerful environment.
- New doors for better security.
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Overview of the project and cost areas
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Project Component
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Cost
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Kennels - Manufactured by Snyder Manufacturing
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$30,000
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Demolish the old, debris removal, general labor, preparation of concrete
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$ 5,600
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New seamless industrial floor that wrap 4' up the walls
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$ 5,600
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Flooring improvements for the Puppy room, Exam Room, Treatment Room
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$ 3,500
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Flooring redone from the adoption hall to the kennels
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$ 3,000
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Music for the dogs
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$ 300
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Make a donation today to help us improve the kennels!
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We are still raising funds to complete the Kennel Project. Help make shelter life a little brighter for our dogs!
The old kennels...
The NEW kennels...
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