Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters

https://www.sheltervet.org/assets/do...1-wforward.pdf

The shelter design and building cost has changed dramatically over time and concerns arise as to shelter accommodations that protect the safety and wellbeing of staff, dogs, and the public.

With the building now constructed of metal (roof & walls) soundproofing is a vital component as stated in the Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters.

Sound Control

An appropriate acoustic environment is essential for good animal health and welfare. Noise should be minimized in animal areas. Dog and cat hearing is more sensitive than human hearing so it can be assumed that noise levels that are uncomfortable to humans are even more uncomfortable for animals. Many common features of animal shelters contribute to elevated noise levels, including forced air ventilation, barking dogs, non-porous building materials, use of power hoses, metal kennel gates, and metal food bowls. Excessive noise contributes to adverse behavioral and physiological responses

Flooring, 4-ft walls to house dogs safely and securely with cage fencing, interior access safety protocols, etc.- all factor into providing a shelter unlike our present ‘deplorable’ shed - one that meets today's 'best practices' standards

Cutbacks have been made to reduce costs. Hopefully, no cutbacks were made that will later require expense change orders for remediation.

Hopefully the Dog Control Department will get the proper staffing to operate efficiently - with a trained staff!