Clermont County has contracted Civil Solutions Associates Inc. to expand the outdoor kennel area of its animal facility. This upgrade will introduce 30 new kennels to the Filager Road shelter, ultimately pushing the count to 53 from the existing 23. You can catch a glimpse of the shelter's intent in a video featuring Kiarah Swartz, shelter administrator, as she delves into the details of the kennel project.
The shelter, swamped by a growing population of man's best friends, undergoes a purification ritual every morning, while some dogs breathe in a dose of vitamin D. However, due to the lack of space, these outdoor excursions are done in shifts. With the new addition—made of dog-friendly materials resistant to the rigors of biting and chewing—the staff can more effectively transfer most dogs outdoors in one efficient move rather than in multiple rounds, according to information released by the Clermont County.
As for the timeframe and financing, the project is a tale of communal collaboration, with a $141,000 budget fed by the county’s capital reserves and Nestlé Purina Petcare Co.’s generosity. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer, with a six-month timeline outlined in the planning blueprint.
Parallel to the kennel expansion, an interior revolution beckons as the shelter readies itself for the installation of a new industrial-style washer, dryer, and dishwasher. Contractor bids are pouring in until Aug. 21, with a $78,920 budget pieced together from county funds and another unnamed donation. The remodeling project encompasses broader improvements than just an appliance update, promising an overhaul that includes electrical, plumbing, and aesthetic enhancements such as drywall and flooring work. Commission President David Painter illuminated these developments at the July 23 Board of County Commissioners meeting.
The call for bids and further information on the shelter's spruce-up mission are detailed on the Clermont County’s legal notices page, updated as of today. Such improvements not only serve to streamline the shelter’s operations but are also an echo of the community's commitment to animal welfare and the health of the shelter's four-legged residents.
