The first expansion for the North Bay and District Humane Society shelter in 30 years is now open.
After five years of planning and more than a year of construction, the ribbon was cut Monday at the newly built Companions for Change Pet Adoption and Wellness Centre.
“We are so excited to welcome the public to our new Pet Adoption & Wellness Centre,” says Liam Cullin, Executive Director for the North Bay Humane Society. “The need for animal services in our community remains high. Our mission is to help as many vulnerable companion animals as possible.”
He says the new addition is helping establish the shelter as the ‘hub of the north’ for animal services in Ontario.
“Not only Ontario. We have partners in Manitoba and Kentucky that we work with to bring animals here, care for them here and sometimes adopt them here and sometimes move them to places in southern and eastern Ontario,” he says. “This place really goes a long way to help us achieve that goal.”
Officials say the building can house between 60-80 animals at one time, a 50% increase in available space.
It includes a dozen dog kennels, three cat and kitten care rooms, two small animal rooms, a meet and greet space for new pet parents, a multi-purpose room and five new outdoor exercise areas.
The $2.4 million project received $250,000 from Pet Valu’s Companions for Change program last fall.
