New facility increases capacity, offers more space for
vistors
Over the weekend, Hollister Animal Control staff, rescue
volunteers and government officials gathered to celebrate the
completion of a $1.5 million shelter on South Street. The former
location, just up the road was established in 1982 and the
community needs had long since outgrown the space. The new building
is more than 7,600 square feet.
New facility increases capacity, offers more space for vistors
Over the weekend, Hollister Animal Control staff, rescue volunteers and government officials gathered to celebrate the completion of a $1.5 million shelter on South Street. The former location, just up the road was established in 1982 and the community needs had long since outgrown the space. The new building is more than 7,600 square feet.
“It was built 25 years ago with grant money as a small shelter,” said Steve Wittry, the engineering manager for the city of Hollister, when the staff first broke ground on construction nearly a year ago. “It needs to be redesigned so it is more modern, more comfortable for staff…and more approachable for those coming in to adopt.”
On Saturday, Nov. 9, the shelter staff held an open house for the community to celebrate the renovation. The morning of the opening began with snacks and beverages followed by presentations by Mayor Doug Emerson and other city officials.
Preceding the presentation was a ribbon cutting ceremony. Once the ribbon was cut tours were given to show off the new shelter. In addition, pets were available for adoption; the first residents to arrive received a certificate to get their pets microchipped for free; and the first 50 to arrive received low-cost spay or neuter vouchers.
The shelter now holds 60 kennels, a room specifically for sick animals, and a room for feral cats. The first 20 kennels offer space for dogs ready to go out for adoption; the second set of 20 kennels contains stray dogs; and the third set of 20 kennels holds soon-to-be-adopted dogs.
The previous shelter had 28 kennels in a spaced designed for 17.
Beyond the kennels is a room where sick animals can be kept away from others and down the hallway is a room specifically for feral cats. This new animal shelter will not only be used as the City of Hollister’s shelter but by the county as well.
Mayor Emerson joked that he really appreciates the shelter because “sometimes [my] own dogs get lose and end up in doggy jail.”
Each year the shelter cares for approximately 3,500 animals and maintains an “open door” policy, meaning all animals are accepted. The new shelter is located next to Hollister’s Public Works yard slightly east of the old location.
The Hollister Animal Shelter is located at 1331 South St. The shelter is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 5 p.m. Visitors can call 636-4320 or visit http://www.hollister.ca.gov/Site/html/gov/office/anictrl.asp for more information.
