The Taylor animal shelter renovations are underway and on schedule.
The shelter had to temporarily limit its capacity since construction began in June. Currently, the project is expected to be completed in late August or early September.
Joseph Branson, Taylor’s support services commander, said the renovations were needed.
“It’s a general upgrade of the entire complex,” Branson said. “We’re getting new kennels, there’s going to be new office buildings, paved parking and new landscaping.”
Since the construction prevents the shelter from housing as many rescues as it normally does, the shelter suspended intake of owner surrenders, as well as the taking-in of non-aggressive dogs. Thus, only seven outdoor kennels are available for the intake of aggressive dogs.
The shelter has six dogs in its outdoor kennels now.
With the recent string of high heat, each outdoor kennel has misters and pools to keep the dog cool. Additionally, each dog is visited daily by staff members.
Still, the shelter encourages residents to consider adopting or even foster one of the remaining dogs so they can be brought inside.
“We can always use the public coming in, looking at what we have and adopting,” Branson said.
On Thursday, July 20, the construction began sandblasting, which is used to change the condition of a metal surface. The shelter encouraged people on its Facebook page to visit the animals during this process to help calm the dogs from the loud noise.
