Nov. 17, 2008
King County Animal Shelter doubling in size
Community partnership gives more space and enhanced medical care
The sounds of construction are in the air outside of the King County animal shelter in Kent. Crews are installing two new large portable buildings alongside the current 37 year-old converted dairy barn, essentially doubling the space that will be made available for homeless cats.
The plans for the new space include room for new large cat cages, as well as cat communal rooms, where cats can get out of their cages to exercise, play, socialize with each other, and be seen by potential adopters. New staff offices, volunteer rooms, and "get acquainted" rooms for adopters will be constructed as well.
"It is our hope to have a grand opening celebration in December, however we hope to have cats and staff using the new building before then," said Acting Shelter Director Wendy Keller. "This new space lets us provide a more comfortable space for the cats, which means they will be healthier and happier, making it easier to help them find their forever home and decrease the amount of time they spend in the shelter."
The second new portable building will house PIMA Medical Institute's Veterinary Technical Program. Students will assist shelter staff in their medical rounds as they pursue their veterinary education and receive hands-on experience with animal care, treatment and handling in a shelter setting.
Installation of the new cat building has been paid for by dedicated resources King County Executive Ron Sims secured earlier in the year, combined with King County's ability to negotiate a sharply discounted rate for the new space. PIMA Medical Institute is paying for their new on-site building; both of the portable facilities are being installed at the same time to save on construction costs.
King County Animal Care and Control is the first county agency in the country to partner with PIMA to provide a special on-site classroom location. PIMA is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). In this new program model, PIMA instructors will work with students on site to provide hands-on training and supplemental medical care to animals at the King County shelter in Kent.
Robert Panerio, the Campus Director of the PIMA Medical Institute Renton Campus, is energized by the opening of their new facility. "PIMA Medical Institute's Renton Campus administration, faculty, staff and students are so excited about our new Veterinary Technician Program, our new classroom, operatory and lab, and the quality partnership with King County Animal Care and Control. We really look forward to our growing relationship."
"Our community partnerships are a win-win situation for us, but it's a win-win-win for the animals" said shelter Volunteer Program Manager Dee Cordell. "Over 300 volunteers, including cat foster parents, have supplemented the necessary duties performed by our dedicated staff each day to care for animals. Together, in conjunction with PIMA, King County is improving the lives of homeless cats with the addition of the new building while they wait to find their forever home."
Browse a gallery of construction pictures at http://your.kingcounty.gov/exec/news/2008/1114images.aspx.
###
King County Animal Care and Control's service area is unincorporated King County and 34 cities within King County. The agency has been promoting responsible pet ownership and providing animal related services to both people and animals for over 36 years.