Missoula Animal Services is launching a public fundraising campaign to raise $1 million for the shelter expansion and remodel project. The shelter broke ground on the project last fall, when county officials, shelter staff and adoptable pets gathered to celebrate the expansion.
Construction crews have completed the framework for the building expansion, which includes a spacious lobby for visitors, two visitor rooms for potential adopters to meet animals, three cat rooms with future access to an enclosed outdoor space, an animal intake room and new, larger dog kennels with direct outdoor access.
The $3.5 million project is funded through a combination of public funding, grants and donations. Money raised during the public campaign will fund the expansion and remodel to the current building, providing benefits to the public, staff and the animals that come through the shelter’s doors. A few elements, like renovating existing dog kennels and installing a covered port to unload animals, were cut from the project to stay within the approved funding limit. An additional $500,000 in donations will put these features back into the project.
Members of the public who want to support the shelter expansion and remodel can donate directly at missoulapublichealth.org/animals/. Those interested in naming opportunities or donating in memory of a pet can contact Development Coordinator Graham Roy at groy@missoulacounty.us.
“We are very thankful for the support from our community,” said Holli Hargrove, shelter manager. “Generous donations for this project will having a lasting impact. The improvements will greatly benefit the animals during their stay and provide necessary space for visitors to meet and spend time with the animals in our care.”
Missoula Animal Services, formerly Missoula Animal Control, houses more than 1,100 pets a year, with a 97% lifesaving rate between county adoptions and reuniting pets with their owners. The shelter recently changed its name to encompass all services it provides for people and animals, which include adoptions, surrenders, reuniting lost pets and dog licensing. Animal control officers will still respond to calls to protect both people and animals in the community.
Shelter staff are operating in a trailer next to the building at 6700 Butler Creek Rd. Hours of operation remain the same, Monday through Friday from 12 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m. Shelter staff ask people to make an appointment before they arrive, to prevent crowded spaces and reduce wait times. Appointments can be made by calling 406-541-7387 or emailing animalcontrol@missoulacounty.us.
More information about the project can be found here: https://missoulapublichealth.org/animals/missoula-animal-control-expansion-remodel/