Kennel Renovation Project Complete
We’re excited to share the completion of a significant infrastructure improvement project at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. Thanks to the support of generous donors, and following the Association of Shelter Veterinarians‘ Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters, we have successfully renovated our “100s kennels,” which are named according to our internal kennel numbering system, to now feature multicompartment enclosures.
While the 100s kennels aren’t part of our public adoption areas, they serve an essential function in our operations. This wing of our shelter houses dogs with special circumstances, including those held by animal control pending legal proceedings and dogs with complex behavior needs. These dogs often face longer shelter stays, making adequate space and appropriate housing even more important to their physical and emotional wellbeing. With expanded kennel configurations, we are now able to provide a more humane and comfortable environment for every dog, no matter how long they remain in our care.
At the heart of this renovation was the installation of portal doors between kennels, effectively doubling each dog’s living space. These multicompartment enclosures allow dogs to utilize one side for resting and eating, leaving the other side for elimination behaviors. This setup significantly improves their quality of life during what can be extended stays.
The portal system also provides important safety benefits for our caregivers. Staff can now secure dogs on one side of their kennel while cleaning the other, reducing the need for repeated handling or leashing during routine care. This approach minimizes stress for the dogs while also creating a safer, more efficient work environment for our team.
Beyond the structural improvements, our team used the construction period to complete thorough maintenance in the area. We deep cleaned the entire area, applied fresh paint in calming Fear Free hues, and installed new ceiling tiles, creating a cleaner and brighter environment for both the animals and the people who care for them.
This successful renovation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our community’s animals, even as our aging facility faces increasing demands. The improvements in the 100s kennels represent a meaningful step forward in our ability to provide appropriate care for some of the most vulnerable animals that come through our doors.
“It is no secret that our aging facility struggles to meet the growing demand for pet resources in our community,” said Leslie Dalzell, chief executive officer at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. “These much-needed kennel improvements will not only expand space for dogs in this area of the shelter, but it will have a positive impact on their overall wellbeing, especially for a population who tend to be in our care for extended periods of time due to their unique needs.”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the donors who made this project possible, including the ASPCA. None of these essential improvements would be possible without the support of the community we serve. Your continued dedication to animal welfare allows us to create lasting, positive change for the animals who need us most.
