Moving day for many furry friends in Guelph is just around the corner.
The Guelph Humane Society will be moving into its new facility at 190 Hanlon Creek Blvd. starting March 5 to March 7.
The new building is six times the size of the current one on Wellington Street and cost an estimated $10 million to build. Its opening has been much anticipated as animal populations in the area grew and needed more care.
The larger space will be able to welcome additional animals and host events rather than renting space off-site.
The GHS will be closed for three days during the move. Animals will not be moving that in time period.
“Our goal is to have all animals either in foster care or in a partner boarding facility or veterinary clinic for those three days so that we limit any stress on the animals. And when they return to us on March 8 in our brand-new home, they will be in for such a treat,” said Lisa Veit, associate director at GHS in a news release.
“They will have new and improved spaces to explore!”
While construction is not entirely complete, GHS officials say the building is safe to move into. Projects in progress include indoor and outdoor work such as landscaping. Community fundraising has been a massive part of making this new facility a reality.
GHS shared a sneak peak at their new facility on Twitter this week.
The dog adoption room kennels are one of the COOLEST features of our new home at 190 Hanlon Creek Blvd! Melissa, our Intake & Behaviour Coordinator, tested out the indoor/outdoor #dog doors for the first time. All dogs in our care will be able to come in and out as they please! pic.twitter.com/1oK8xu9dZE
— Guelph Humane (@GuelphHumane) February 22, 2021
Adrienne McBride, executive director at GHS, said the new 18,000 sq/ft facility will allow staff to physically distance and adhere to public health requirements while also giving animals more room to enjoy their time before uniting with their new families.
GHS will return to normal operating hours on Monday, March 8.
“A move during COVID is not what we had in mind,” said McBride.
“We’ve had to curb our expectations and timelines for grand opening plans, and we hope that our community can be patient with us as we navigate COVID-19 restrictions. Once we are settled into our new home we will be able to create a safe plan to determine when the community can visit us inside 190 Hanlon Creek Blvd, in accordance with public health recommendations.”
Royal Canin and Manitoulin Transport will be volunteering time and transport trucks to help GHS with the move from their current facility.
