Why the Animals Need a New Home
The Capital Humane Society has an open-intake policy - no animal is turned away. Last year, nearly 9,000 dogs, cats and other animals came through our doors. (that averages more than 24 new animals needing our care each day, 365 days of the year.)
Our last building expansion to provide additional sheltering capacity took place in 1974, when Lincoln's human population was less than 170,000. Current zoning codes preclude further expansion of the current facility on Park Boulevard.
Today, Lincoln's population is nearing 260,000 and while the number of animals needing our care has increased, the shelter size has remained the same. 65% of Lincoln households have at least one pet! The bottom line is, we need more space and that need is only going to increase.
Why the Adoption Center will be Better
The Animal Adoption Center will provide space for 45 dogs and more than 50 cats. The Center will include private rooms for animals and their prospective adoptive owners to become better acquainted. Visitors will be able to observe all adoptive animals through glass paned kennels.
The Cat Adoption Area will feature colony rooms (Cat Colonies) where felines can interact with one another. The Dog Adoption Area plans include fenced outdoor exercise areas for canine interaction and play, and greatly improved noise control.
THE NOISE
CHS Today - At the current shelter, dog kennels face each other in one long aisle. Potential adopters walk a gauntlet between excited, barking dogs. The noise and chaos cause stress for the animals and are distracting to visitors.
CHS Tomorrow - In the new Adoption Center dogs will face outward toward visitors and away from the other dogs, which will make the animals more comfortable and less stressed, resulting in less barking. Special acoustical tiles in the ceiling will absord sound, and all adoption areas will be glass enclosed. In addition, separate "dens" for dogs will provide a quieter, higher quality environment for the dogs, the staff and our visitors.
