Letter to the editor: Expand the animal shelter facility
Expand the animal shelter facility
I am a volunteer at the Ames Animal Shelter, and I would like to express some of my concerns about the facility. I would like to suggest that the city of Ames consider expanding the facility. Here are some of the reasons why:
1. Offices: The offices that the director and co-director have are very small. Their space is crowded and the isn’t enough room to invite customers to sit down and discuss business.
2. Laundry: Keeping clean bedding is very important. The current laundry room is very small. The washer and dryer should be larger to accommodate the vast amount of washing and drying that needs to be done. They have temporary shelves that are stuffed with clean laundry. There is hardly room to walk around. A sink and refrigerator are also in this very small room.
3. Cage size for dogs: The current cage size for keeping dogs is borderline adequate. They also don’t have an efficient way to water the dogs. The inside play area should be enclosed for more privacy for potential adoptees.
4. Outside run area: Dogs need to be taken outside to do their business. They can only accommodate one dog at a time. A better facility should have a couple of running areas. They could also use a more efficient method of collecting the dog feces.
5. Volunteer space: When I report for duty, there isn’t a decent place to hang my coat. I think the volunteers need a room of their own to receive messages, to wash their hands, and to check in for duty.
6. Small rooms: The rooms that house the cats are small and need to be larger. There should be more space to play with the cats and check them out for adoption.
7. Crowded hallways: This is a serious problem. The hallways are narrow and because space is a problem, they put rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc. in the hallway. This overcrowding presents problems of mobility and cleaning up the cages. I doubt a person using a wheelchair could navigate the narrow hallways.
8. Storage: The storerooms are very important because of the great amount of animal food, cat litter, and general supplies that are required to operate a facility like this. More storage pace is badly needed.
These areas I have noted are just my observations. I’m sure there are more concerns if you discussed it Ron Edwards, the director of the facility. We, the people of Ames, are proud of our schools and parks. Why do we have to hang our heads when it comes to taking care of animals in need?
There are a lot of animal lovers in this city that would be upset if they visited this facility. The current personnel that run the facility are top notch. They are very dedicated to providing the best care for the animals. They just need more help from the community.
So, to our city planners, please consider expanding this facility.
Dick Wilson, Ames
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Letter to the editor: Expand the animal shelter facility
