| We only have space to house cats in small cages. The cats are stressed and are less likely to attract the attention of a potential adopter, as they cannot display playfulness and other normal social behaviors. |
The Cat Habitat - a room instead of cages - will be a fun space for the cats to play in full view of the Adoption Centre. Habitats will have generous proportions reducing stress and decreasing the incidence of illnesses. |
| The combination of stress and overcrowding makes animals much more susceptible to diseases and infection. Limited isolation space means that when animals become ill, they are housed in a small area with other animals in various stages of illness. This can result in disease transmission and secondary infections. |
Distinct
and separate ventilation systems for isolation, adoption and clinic
areas will bring about a significant reduction in the transmission
of infection and disease resulting in a healthier overall environment
for animals and staff. |
| One
small room provides limited interaction between potential families
and companion animals. Bordered on both sides by kennels, the noise
makes communication difficult and increases stress levels in the animals
being seen. At peak periods wait times for the contact room can be
in excess of two hours. |
Several
animal contact and socialization rooms will be visible from the Adoption
Centre and provide more than enough room for families to meet and
interact with potential companion animals in a stress-free environment. |
| Our shelter is not adoption-friendly. People tell us that they find the facility depressing. We cannot shield visitors from the inevitable smells. The facility has little natural light. Potential adopters are crowded into a small space with minimal privacy to discuss their adoption decisions with our staff. |
People will want to visit our facility. The space will allow our community to learn about the OHS and animal welfare. The new facility will be bright, with natural light contributing to a more cheerful environment for people and a healthier environment for animals. The use of glass, rather than bars, in many areas will allow for separate ventilation for animals and humans. |
| The clinic has only operating table for sterilizations and other surgeries and limited space for other life saving treatments. We have no space to allow those veterinarians who wish to volunteer their time to help us. |
The in-house veterinary clinic will be equipped for a variety of treatments as well as more efficient sterilizations. A new clinic will allow the OHS to restore more animals to health and to ensure that animals adopted by the OHS will not contribute to animal overpopulation. |
| Educational
opportunities are extremely limited by the lack of available administrative
space. We are unable to accommodate on-site staff training or Humane
Education for community groups. |
A classroom will provide multi-purpose space for veterinary workshops, Algonquin College student training, tour group presentations, volunteer orientation sessions, dog obedience classes, day camps and staff training sessions. |
| Spiraling maintenance costs, high operating costs and a lack of modern safety equipment, such as sprinklers, risk the lives of animals and people. |
An efficient design to preserve donated dollars, a green design to protect the environment, and modern safety equipment to protect animals and humans. |
| The current facility is not accessible for people with disabilities. People with mobility impairments must enter through the back door. |
A full-accessible facility that is welcoming to everyone. |
