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No other building IN HISTORY has changed as much as an animal shelter. Gone is the old fashioned housing facility replaced with an environment that comforts animals and engages the community.
SHELTER HISTORY & MISSION
In 1975 Marquette County Humane Society (renamed UPAWS in 2010) was founded to serve homeless and stray animals in the community filling the void left by the limited services provided by municipal pounds. The current UPAWS facility, built in 1978, operated as a temporary shelter housing animals for short periods of time. Animals considered not adoptable (older, temperamental, sick) were euthanized immediately.
Today, nearly 1,500 animals come through UPAWS open-admission, no kill shelter each year. The shelter is a busy place providing animals and pet owners with critical pet services. Since the transition to becoming a no kill shelter in 2010, UPAWS was awarded several Outstanding Medium Size Shelter in Michigan awards from the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance. UPAWS is a leader in the no-kill movement and we consistently reach an award-winning 98% Save Rate.
In addition, services for the community include low cost spay/neuter services, microchip placement, humane education, law enforcement services, a food bank, and end of life services and more.
THE CHALLENGE
Animal intake and services at UPAWS has grown dramatically since its inception, but not the shelter space. Beyond the small building size, many other issues compound the problem of providing a healthy and comfortable space for homeless animals. Building issues include: poor ventilation, power shortages, low water pressure, uneven heat distribution, mold, leaking roof, and close, small quarters creating high stress levels for animals, generating a tougher adoption environment.
In the past, animal shelters, built like warehouses, had little regard for or value placed on function of the facility. Caring staff and volunteers at UPAWS have succeeded in making the best effort to run the shelter effectively and efficiently, but the building still lacks in meeting the basic needs for both animals and the community. UPAWS is a part of the movement in redefining the shelter as a beacon of hope, a place where the environment contributes to successful adoption rates and decreases the number of stray animals through aggressive messaging on the importance of spay/neuter programs and responsible pet ownership. The Animal Community Center will provide better comfort and care for our animal companions, as well as community space and expanded services.
PROPOSED PLAN
UPAWS has selected and purchased twenty acres in Sands Township. The new facility quadruples the current space and addresses current ventilation issues. Proper air handling and ventilation, one of the key issues for shelters, contains the spread of illness and makes the shelter a comfortable, healthy, and calm environment for both pets and people.
The design is one of efficiency and comes from many months of working with pet shelter design firms and discussion on both shelter and local community needs. The new configuration of kennels reduces stress for dogs by limiting smells, noise, and site lines to other dogs. Outside exercise and play areas with various fenced spaces offer an area for dogs to play (an important outlet for high energy dogs) and be walked safely. Cat spaces are designed to allow cats to have a home-like environment for those who are sociable as well as spaces that feel safe, secure, and quiet for those recovering from illness and/or abuse. A fully enclosed outdoor area presents cats the opportunity to be outside as well. Small critters will have their own corner away from other animals and activity and no longer live in our lobby or lunch room.
The Animal Community Center gives space to efficiently serve animals and the public. Meet and greet rooms allow those looking to adopt private space to get to know an animal in a quiet area away from other animals, people, and distractions. Offering the community low-cost spay/neuter services will continue on site for low-income Marquette County residents, as well as microchip placement, and a food bank.
New services will help fulfill our mission. A multi-purpose community center provides space for education on the responsibility of pet ownership, hard-to-adopt animal topics such as information on specific breeds or advantages of the older canine companion. Adoption events will be held along with youth programs, dog training, community meetings, and more. Education events can include school districts for 'Read to your Shelter Pet' programs or 'What makes a dog bite?' awareness. We expand to include professional development for law enforcement officers on animal control laws and ordinances or identifying the signs of neglect. We can work with civic clubs to develop opportunities for expanded volunteering in adoption counseling, canine playgroups, cat socializing, and more.
Additionally, a health clinic allows for volunteer vets to help us offer quality care for animals with medical needs. This feature allows for sick animals to heal without infecting the other animals. The shelter will include a functional pole barn to allow for cases of large or farm animal abuse. This is a key change as we have not been able to help as often or as effectively as we need for horses and other large animals. Adequate parking for visitors, staff, and volunteers is offered and a year-round outdoor dog park makes available community space for dog lovers to come together.
FINANCING THE SHELTER
The Imagine the PAWSibilities Campaign to raise $3.7 million is underway. As of October 21, 2016 half of the funds dedicated to the Animal Community Center are in place, but we have a long way to go. A challenge opportunity through a matching gift. Mark & Christine Troudt will match every dollar provided to the Animal Community Center (up to $100,000) given by December 31.
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO REACH THIS GOAL.
Double your gift. Give today!
Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter, Inc
About the Organization
84 Snowfield Road
Negaunee, MI 49866
UNITED STATES
EIN: 38-2228501