Kent County Animal Shelter To Temporarily Move For Facility Improvements

Kent County Animal Shelter To Temporarily Move For Facility Improvements

Grand Rapids, Mich. (Jan. 9, 2025) - The Kent County Animal Shelter (KCAS) is temporarily relocating to 2055 Oak Industrial Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, starting Jan. 21, to accommodate flooring renovations required by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The shelter will be closed on January 21 as staff and volunteers move the animals to the new location, where operations will continue through mid-March 2025. During this time, no staff or animals will remain at the 740 Fuller Ave. location.

The temporary site will focus on adoptions, intakes, and reclaims but will operate with reduced kennel capacity, limiting housing to 40 animals. Stray animals will be accepted but owned pets cannot be taken in during this period.

"With the reduced capacity and the requirement to accept stray dogs regardless of available space, we need the help of our community during this renovation," said Shelter Director Angela Hollinshead. "We are committed to providing resources for pet owners and maintaining our commitment to never euthanize healthy, adoptable animals due to space or time constraints. Achieving this goal, however, requires the support of our community."

Adoption Special and Community Call to Action

Under normal circumstances, the shelter accommodates 80-90 dogs and 20-30 cats. However, during the renovation, space will be limited to 40 dogs and approximately 15 cats.

To help reduce shelter populations, KCAS is launching a special adoption promotion:

• Dog adoptions will be $50 (including a license) throughout the renovation.
• Community members are encouraged to foster animals from January through March. This short-term commitment can make a significant difference for the shelter and the animals in its care.

The shelter also urges pet owners to plan ahead and explore alternative resources if they are unable to care for their pets, as these arrangements will be necessary until the renovations are completed in March. The KCAS remains committed to providing support and guidance to help families keep their pets during this time.

How Residents Can Help

• Adopt: Take advantage of the $50 adoption special to provide a loving home to a pet in need.
• Foster: Open your home to a dog or cat during the transition period. To foster, residents can fill out this application.
• Donate: Contribute supplies or funds to support the shelter's efforts on the KCAS website. KCAS will also be accepting donations at the new Oak Industrial Dr. site.
• Help Reunite Pets: If you find a lost pet:
  • Post a photo to social media and Nextdoor.
  • Safely have the pet scanned for a microchip at a local veterinary office or one of the KCAS 24-hour chip scanning stations, located at 740 Fuller Ave. in Grand Rapids or 4191 17 Mile Rd. NE in Cedar Springs.

For updates and more information, follow the KCAS on social media or visit www.accesskent.com.

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