INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – The new Independence Animal Shelter, which is slated to open this fall, will include more than triple the space compared to the existing facility.
“Having the space available means we have more time to house the animals and hopefully be able to adopt them out. Better cleaner facilities. Healthier facilities for the animals. Better amenities will provide a healthier environment,” said Independence City Manager Robert Heacock.
Heaock said right now, the city operates the shelter, but that could change.
“Right now we’re having different discussions and whether we can formally partner with a non-profit to operate the facility,” he said. “I think the advantages that are most commonly stated are the fundraising ability of those agencies, some of the partnerships they have as opposed to typically what municipalities will have.”
The capacity for the animals will increase at the new shelter, from 86 to 148 cages for cats and from 73 to 122 cages for dogs.
“The modern facility will be much better for the animals – our ability to care for them,” said the city manager. “It’s easier to clean, easier to maintain. There’s more room, more space for them. There will be better grounds and more room outside for us to exercise them . I just think it’s a win all the way around.”
Heacock said more space will hopefully save more lives because the shelter will be able to house cats and dogs for a longer period of time and provide a larger play area which can lead to a happier, more adoptable pet.