New Maple Ridge SPCA shelter opens
The dogs and cats of the Maple Ridge SPCA are getting settled into their new home as the local animal shelter moves into its new $3.7 million, 6,500 square-foot facility this week.
The new shelter will triple the capacity of the outdated, decaying structure it is replacing next door on Jackson Road.
Branch manager Mark Vosper estimates the original building is more than 50 years old.
“This has been a long time coming,” he said.
The new shelter features two outdoor pens, and enclosed walking trail, 12 double-occupancy “dog apartments,” four single-dog kennels, four large communal cat rooms, a cat isolation room, as well as a meeting room to host school and community groups.
Vosper said the new shelter will not only serve as a shelter for stray animals, but will serve as an education centre for the community, as well.
“It’s really a community animal centre,” he said. “It’s about educating the public so we can improve the welfare of animals in our community.”
More than 30 volunteers are helping to move the critters into their new home this week, along with their cages and equipment.
“We couldn’t have done this without they’re help,” said Vosper.
Vosper said the shelter is currently accepting stray and abandoned animals, despite construction chaos. However, if people want to surrender an animal, Vosper recommended taking it to a neighbouring shelter until the new facility is finished next month.
“There’s still some work to be done,” he said. “We should be having a grand opening sometime in May.”
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