JAR needs a new forever home
- You can donate directly to our New Shelter Fund by using the QR code below:
Built 40 years ago, Juneau’s current animal shelter was a big step above the previous shed with stacked airline animal crates for housing. But now Juneau’s animal shelter is facing age related structural and internal system issues, and, most importantly, it does not meet national standards for the humane, safe, and nurturing housing of animals.
Appropriately, the CBJ requires JAR to have a facility meeting “the standards set out in the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) Guidelines for Standards for Care in Animal Shelters.” The current shelter meets nearly none of the key ASV standards for cat and dog and other pet enclosures:
- animal enclosures are too small, and not double-sided (e.g., two living areas separated by a sliding door)
- porous concrete walls and floors that are hard to clean,
- lack of direct access to fresh air,
- inadequate air handling system to provide fresh air and prevent the spread of airborne disease,
- lack of noise control for all animals, (cats are especially sensitive to dogs)
- lack of adequate natural light,
- difficult access to exercise areas and inadequate uncovered exercise areas,
- cleaning, exercise and dog handling is difficult due to layout and housing. It can be a safety issue for staff and animals, and takes away staff time to interact positively with animals.
- dog kennels are in a “large warehouse type room.” Staff and visitors must wear ear protection to enter the room.
- does not meet the standard of not keeping animal caged in hallways. Currently other pet species (e.g. birds, rabbits, etc.) are housed in a hallway due to lack of space.
The Vision and Goal
Above is an example of one possible lower cost building solution utilizing a "pre-engineered" structure to create a well designed animal shelter that meets national standards. The drawings above show simple layouts for cat and dog housing as required by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians standards.
Some of the features JAR is considering are:
- Double sided cat and dog housing with direct access to fresh air and light and direct access to exercise areas for dogs;
- A good air handling system that prevents airborne spread of disease;
- Safe appropriate housing for other surrendered pets such as birds, hamsters, etc.;
- Larger covered outside exercise areas that can be more easily cleaned and used in bad weather with possible links to dog friendly trails;
- Group rooms that allow cats to view the out of doors and get direct outside air in good weather;
- Noise control design that reduces inter-breed stress;
- An upgraded veterinary area that provides better care for shelter pets and support to community needs such as spay and neuter services;
- Better designed interiors that allow for easier cleaning and care for animals allowing staff more time for care and positive interaction with animals;
- Better areas for potential adopters to positively view or interact with animals;
- Workable "people" areas to allow staff and volunteers to better serve the community and provide for public education activities.
Some of the features JAR is considering are:
- Double sided cat and dog housing with direct access to fresh air and light and direct access to exercise areas for dogs;
- A good air handling system that prevents airborne spread of disease;
- Safe appropriate housing for other surrendered pets such as birds, hamsters, etc.;
- Larger covered outside exercise areas that can be more easily cleaned and used in bad weather with possible links to dog friendly trails;
- Group rooms that allow cats to view the out of doors and get direct outside air in good weather;
- Noise control design that reduces inter-breed stress;
- An upgraded veterinary area that provides better care for shelter pets and support to community needs such as spay and neuter services;
- Better designed interiors that allow for easier cleaning and care for animals allowing staff more time for care and positive interaction with animals;
- Better areas for potential adopters to positively view or interact with animals;
- Workable "people" areas to allow staff and volunteers to better serve the community and provide for public education activities.
How You Can Help Make This Dream A Reality?
In September 2021 a Juneau Animal Rescue Facility "Needs Assessment" was completed with ASPCA funding by the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program and Indigo Architects (specializing in animal shelter design). The Needs Assessment gave JAR solid recommendations on how to move forward.
· Help us find land: We are looking for a building site of at least 2.2 acres that is not too close to residences but is easily accessible to the public.
· Lend your expertise: We are looking for community members who have skills in fundraising, public outreach, and the planning and construction of a large facility.
· Donate: Help us build the New Animal Shelter by contributing.
Working together, we can create a safe and inviting space not just for animals that come under JAR’s care but for local families seeking to become acquainted with a pet for adoption, for the many local volunteers who contribute time to caring for shelter animals, and for JAR’s staff. If you are interested in helping in any of the above ways or by simply offering ideas to advance the project, please email or call Kevin Ritchie, JAR Facility Committee Chair, at [email protected] or 907-957-1599.
· Help us find land: We are looking for a building site of at least 2.2 acres that is not too close to residences but is easily accessible to the public.
· Lend your expertise: We are looking for community members who have skills in fundraising, public outreach, and the planning and construction of a large facility.
· Donate: Help us build the New Animal Shelter by contributing.
Working together, we can create a safe and inviting space not just for animals that come under JAR’s care but for local families seeking to become acquainted with a pet for adoption, for the many local volunteers who contribute time to caring for shelter animals, and for JAR’s staff. If you are interested in helping in any of the above ways or by simply offering ideas to advance the project, please email or call Kevin Ritchie, JAR Facility Committee Chair, at [email protected] or 907-957-1599.