Carmel Magazine

Animal Instincts 108-111 SPCA remodel_Layout 4/25/13 8:00 AM Page 2 A SPC A Updates Its Facilities to Address Changing Needs B Y R E N E E B R I N C K S • P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y K E L L I U L D A L L fter operating a Pacific Grove lar s, community members con- veterinary practice for more tinue s u p p o r t i n g t h e SPCA by than 30 years, Dr. Ted Hollister under- adopting animals at the new center. stands the role that good facilities play More than 1,700 dogs and cats found in animal care. As he discusses the new homes in 2012 alone. The SPCA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty also places rabbits, horses, guinea pigs, to Animals (SPCA) for Monterey birds, mice and more. County's adoption center, the cap- Both animals and the people adopt- stone of a building project that ing them benefit from the updated spanned nearly six years, he can't help facility. In the past, one lobby served all but evaluate its design and layout. clients. Now, families adopt animals in From flexible accommodations for one area, and a separate lobby pro- dogs and cats, to natural light and smart MR. ROGERS IS ADOPTABLE! air circulation systems, to piano music vides privacy for those going through the difficult experience of giving up specially engineered to keep animals calm, the facility gets a glowing review. pets. SPCA staff members meet with individuals and families looking to "It's just spectacular. It's truly state-of-the-art," says Hollister."They've spent their adopt in new counseling rooms; nearby, separate "get-acquainted rooms" money wisely and have been good stewards of what people have donated." provide a place for families to interact with pets before taking them home. The Monterey County SPC A opened its new Elsewhere, rows of cages have been replaced by a series of rooms lin- adoption center in January 2012, after com- ing spacious corridors, and visitors can watch animals play through large pleting a comprehensive upgrade to windows. Many dogs have private rooms with beds and toys, while cats buildings constructed when the enjoy extra climbing towers and perches. In some rooms, stackable boxes organization moved to its current can be easily reconfigured to accommodate the SPCA's ever-changing Highway 68 location in 1968. population of small animals. Several spaces have outdoor access, as well, As par t of the renovation, and sunlight streams through windows even in those without. the nonprofit also replaced "There are no cages and no bars. We have lots of glass, so things are its wildlife facility, rebuilt its bright and comfortable and quiet.There's no longer a loud hallway to walk veterinar y con- down when you're checking animals out, which also saves them from structed a new barn and stress," explains Beth Brookhouser, director of community outreach for hospital, demolished several outdated the Monterey County SPCA. buildings. Because the agency is inde- In a separate building, new kennels have large doors that can be rolled pendent—no parent organiza- up on warm days. Outside, dogs run circles in a synthetic grass courtyard tion connects or funds the designed for easy cleaning. In fact, all the new facilities stand up to frequent SPCAs operating in dif- washing and sanitizing measures. ferent regions—finan- "We worked with architects who only design shelters, pet hospitals and cial backing for the boarding facilities, because our use is very specialized," says SPCA for project came, in large Monterey County Executive Director Gary Tiscornia. "[We told them] part, from community that we wanted a building that was affordable to build and to operate for donors. In addition to supplying dol- 20 years, so that we aren't eaten up by maintenance costs in five, 10 or 15 years." C ARMEL MAGAZINE•SPRING/SUMMER 2013 109

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