A modernized shelter entrance and improvements will allow visitors to feel more at home and reduce animal stress
Burlington County Freeholders recently joined county and shelter staff, along with members of the Friends of the Burlington County Animal Shelter, to officially break ground for construction of the shelter’s expanded and renovated spaces.
“We are excited for this opportunity to update and modernize the Burlington County Animal Shelter,” said Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio. “We want to let every Burlington County resident know that if they are looking to adopt a pet, this is the best place to do so.”
Garganio said the estimated $1.9 million modern expansion of the aging facility will take the shelter to another level and allow visitors to feel more at home, while animal stress is reduced and adoptions are increased, saving county tax dollars.
With the new shelter entrance, visitors enter into a modernized space and be greeted by furry friends. A glass window looking into three new cat rooms is planned for the new space as well as a cat holding spaces installed at the main desk.
Prospective adopters will also have a chance to meet animals in a separate “greeting rooms” meant to reduce the stress level for an animal and give visitors a comfortable experience outside a kennel setting.
To expand on cats’ needs, the new cat rooms can hold up to 10 felines and allow them to get out of their cages and interact with one another. The renovations would add to the current 240-cage capacity. For the dogs, a behavioral modification room is designed to give volunteers quiet time with canines that need special attention before being put up for adoption.
The construction is expected to be completed in the spring of 2017. The shelter will remain open during construction.
For more information, call (609) 265–5073 or visit www.co.burlington.nj.us/168/Animal-Shelter.
