Why Does Currituck County Need a New Animal Shelter?
Understanding the Need
Our Shelter is Reaching it's Capacity! |
Our current animal shelter is much too small to house the number of animals received, provide healthy intake and living conditions so that diseases are not spread from infected to healthy animals, and to provide adequate holding time in order to get animals adopted. Many county residents work outside of the county and it sometimes takes them more than a week to be able to get to the shelter so that they can reclaim their missing pet. The required holding time is 5 days for non-aggressive and healthy animals. Beyond that the holding period depends largely on the space available. Due to the efforts of many Animal Lovers Assistance League volunteers, we currently have an 88% adoption/rescue rate for adoptable animals, but with the increasing numbers and very small size of the shelter, that rate is unsustainable. The rapid growth of Currituck County increases the demand for our services.
The current shelter cannot be expanded on our present site. It will be demolished when the airport expands in the next couple of years. The County Commissioners have voted to provide 8 acres for a new animal shelter and dog park on county-owned property in the vicinity of the NC Extension Building.
According to statements by the Humane Society of the United States and a national shelter architect, our current shelter is obsolete.
Fiscal Considerations
How can we afford a new shelter in this economic environment? Contractors and building service providers have volunteered $1 million in donated labor and services to build the new shelter. This offer is valid only for a limited time. Low interest rate loans may be available to the county through the USDA Rural Economic Development Commission. Building NOW while costs are low saves money in the long term. Not only does it make good financial sense, the need is there now!.
The Animal Lovers Assistance League, Inc., annually contributes approximately 30% of the operating costs of the Shelter.
Volunteer Services
The 7 paid part-time Shelter Staff are supplemented by the more than 250 non-paid volunteer members and donors. They PAY dues and make donations of money, services, and time to benefit the animals! Animal Lovers volunteer service amounts to more than 5,000 hours and more than $63,000. in donations to the county annually.
The size needed for a new shelter is determined by the demographics of Currituck County and utilizing the formula of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Modern in Design...
Aritst's Concept of New Currituck County Animal Shelter |
but not state of the art, the new shelter will be practical and offer services that meet the needs of a growing population of people and pets. It will be in compliance with the many required state regulations and modern building design practices that help prevent the spread of disease. As much as possible, it will apply "Green" building techniques.
Cost Considerations
Determined by building costs at the time of construction, which have been lower than are anticipated later. A shelter slightly larger than ours in a nearby county cost $2 million in 2006. The new Virginia Beach Animal Control Facility was announced to cost $16 million, which indicates an increase in building costs of 35% over what we found them to be in Dec., 2008. Building now will result in a long-term savings.
Low Cost Spay & Neuter Clinic
A long-term cost savings by getting control of the ever icreasing animal overpopulation. Many new shelters have them. It also provides revenue to help with operating costs.
Public Dog Park
Fun and free use by the public. If the county hosts eastern U. S. Dog Agility Competitions and Rallies, it can become an economic asset. It can be built at no cost to Currituck residents through the use of Occupancy Taxes.
How You Can Help
Volunteer, get involved - See our Membership Application here on our web page. Call the Shelter: 252-457-0011. Donate services, money, time - ALAL, PO Box 266, Currituck, NC 27929. Let your elected officials know your view! - E-Mail: www.commissioners@co.currituck.nc.us