Animal Care closes one day for construction

MAT-SU—The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Animal Care Shelter will be closed on Mon., March 23, 2009, to enable staff and equipment to move into the new addition. Construction work then begins on the existing structure. The shelter will return to normal operating hours the next day on Tues., March 24.

“The construction of the expansion is nearly complete. Now the work begins on the existing building. We appreciate the patience of Borough residents on this project,” said Animal Care Chief Robert Haskell.

Beginning Tuesday customers will enter through two new entrances. One is for the public who wants to adopt animals, while the other “drop off” side is for the intake of animals.

The new addition to the animal shelter is 14,000 square feet. The new amenities include a training/classroom, three adoption rooms, a designated grooming area, and an updated laundry room with a new commercial washer and dryer. There will be approximately three times the holding capacity for animals with updated areas for kennels, isolation, observation and adoption. There is an updated cattery, which makes cats more visible to the public through viewing windows and more likely to be adopted.

There is also a new heated night drop-off kennel and two counseling rooms to allow privacy for the veterinarian and an animal owner to quietly discuss options for the animal. Once completed there will also be an office area for the animal enforcement staff that is separated from the customer service area.

The renovation of the existing 7,600 square foot structure is anticipated to be completed by July. Additions will include larger, more secure clinic, surgery, and exam rooms. There will also be a meeting room and employee break and storage rooms. Also a drive-through port will allow the efficient transport and examination of weakened livestock, such as malnourished horses, in a covered area.

For more information call Animal Care Chief Robert Haskell at 745-5500.

—End—