Providence Animal Shelter Moves Into Its New Home

New facility is twice the size of the old shelter with soundproofing, educational rooms and grooming areas

September 28, 2010 PROVIDENCE - Dogs, cats and other creatures moved into their brand new home as animal lovers, shelter staff, City officials and representatives from the Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC) cut the ribbon on the newly constructed Providence Animal Shelter.

The NBC, which acquired, through eminent domain, the property occupied by the old animal shelter, agreed to build a new facility at the City's request.

"This new, modern animal shelter, which represents the highest standards in animal care, is a win-win for everyone," said Providence Animal Shelter Director David Holden. "The facility's easily accessable location as well as the additional space will enhance our efforts to encourage more people to adopt our animals."

"The cooperation between the NBC and the City on this project has been admirable," said Raymond J. Marshall, PE, NBC Executive Director. "Not only will the City have a new and modern animal shelter, everyone in Rhode Island will benefit from the improvements to Narragansett Bay that the new clean water projects on the site of the old facility will bring."

The 7000 square-foot facility on Terminal Road is soundproof and is twice the size of the old facility with 40 regular kennels, 20 isolation kennels, play areas for dogs and cats and separate medical, education and grooming rooms. The shelter was designed under the guidance of Rhode Island's top veterinarian, Dr. Scott Marshall of the Department of Environmental Management (DEM).

The new shelter is also equipped with industrial-sized washers, dryers and power washers, thanks to the generous donations of numerous contributors to the Providence Animal Shelter Donation Fund. Earlier this year, a Pawtucket resident bequeathed more than $223,000 to the shelter in his estate.

The Providence Animal Shelter currently has 36 dogs and 36 cats in its care, many of which are available for adoption. In an effort to encourage more families to give these animals a new home, the shelter is waiving its adoption fee through October 9th, and the NBC is giving away free leashes and treats to the first 100 people who adopt.

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