The Kent County Animal Shelter (KCAS) is gearing up for a temporary change of address due to required renovations. As reported by WZZM13, beginning on January 21, the shelter will operate from a temporary location at 2055 Oak Industrial Drive NE in Grand Rapids while their current facility at 740 Fuller Avenue undergoes flooring upgrades. These renovations, which are necessary to meet the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s sanitization standards, are expected to last through mid-March.
The transition to the temporary site will see a significant reduction in the shelter's capacity. Normally capable of housing 80-90 dogs and 20-30 cats, the temporary shelter will have space for just 40 dogs and around 15 cats, WWMT detailed. Owned pets, regrettably, cannot be accepted during this period, yet stray animals will continue to be taken in.
In anticipation of these restricted quarters, a special adoption promotion is being launched by KCAS. According to WZZM13, dog adoptions will be reduced to $50, including a license, for the duration of the renovations. This initiative aligns with the shelter's policy of never euthanizing healthy, adoptable animals due to space or time constraints.
Moreover, KCAS is seeking the community's aid both in adoption and fostering efforts. "With the reduced capacity and the requirement to accept stray dogs regardless of available space, we need the help of our community during this renovation," Shelter Director Angela Hollinshead stressed in a statement obtained by WOODTV. The shelter is actively encouraging residents to consider short-term fostering from January through March, an act that could alleviate the burden on the facility's limited resources.
Residents looking to support KCAS can also contribute via donations. The temporary shelter is in need of supplementary items such as towels and blankets, as mentioned by WZZM13, due to restricted laundry capabilities. Those interested in fostering or donating can find more information on the WZZM13, WWMT, and WOODTV websites.
