This is an examples of a cat colony or feature room concept. Communal cats live together in a common area and are easily viewed by the public.

2013 S.P.L.O.S.T. Proposal

Floyd County Animal Shelter

Principles of modern shelters

Materials are durable & impermeable to moisture and chemicals

Layout prevents cross contamination of sick and healthy animals

Separate admissions areas facilitate longer observation times before being available for adoption

More inviting environment promotes adoptions

Principles of modern shelters

Use of natural lighting, modern HVAC & ventilation provides energy efficient solutions

Sterilization facility will help decrease the total animal population over time

Central location will draw many more visitors and boost adoptions

Dog parks bring in additional visitors and raise awareness by word of mouth

This is an examples of a cat colony or feature room concept. Communal cats live together in a common area and are easily viewed by the public.

Modern Shelter Design

This is the viewing side of the cat mall, visitors cannot touch the animals eliminating the possibility of cross contamination.

This is the cages we currently use, they encourage touching animals thereby spreading contaminants.

Shelter Design Comparison

This is an example of the kennel area for large canines. Notice the resinous flooring, glazed block construction, stainless steel and glass door materials used. Also the clean and neat appearance of the viewing area.

This example shows several problems, the most prominent is the forward facing layout allowing the spread of airborne pathogens from cage to cage.


A closer look at the cage materials used in the construction of the kennels. A trench drain can be seen in the rear of the cages.

This is an example of a cage in the current facility, constructed from cinder blocks with household fencing as gates. Note the rust and wear on the hardware.


A view of some puppy pens, this concept makes the animals look more attractive and comfortable while being easily viewed by the public.

A view of one of the cages used to house our puppies and small dogs, again the cage doors allow contact that can transfer disease and forward facing cage orientation allows airborne issues.


Shortfalls of current shelter

Sick dogs recently impounded are frequently intermingled with healthy dogs available for adoption

Cage configuration promotes airborne disease transfer by facing each other

Some cages are stacked 2-3 high promoting horizontal cross contamination

Average hold time is approximately 5-7 days and is limited by number of cages


Cages allow for incidental transmission by visitors touching multiple animals

Cage configuration is difficult to clean and impossible to sanitize

Materials used are porous and hold bacteria and other microbes

Materials used are susceptible to cleaning chemicals requiring repair frequently

HVAC & ventilation are separate and counteract each other

Septic system requires constant costly maintenance

HVAC system cools/heats Ventilation draws it out


HVAC System cools/heats Ventilation draws it out


Examples of cage deterioration


Benefits to the community

Community currently supports about 30 vets, interest in responsible pet ownership is on the rise

Facility is open to everyone 6 days a weekEducation space will enhance education programsSurgery clinic will over time help control animal

over populationChance to impact quality of life for all citizens

through better imageContinue and enhance community resources

already provided

Cost estimation breakdown

Construction costs $5,100,00 Based on 17,000 ft² building with a cost estimation of

$300 ft²Land acquisition $360,000

Purchase of 6 retail type acres at $60,000 per acreSite work and permitting $510,000

Based on 10% of project costs

Total project estimate $5,970,000

•45,727 calls for service answered since 2006•23,869 dogs impounded since 2006•18,971 cats impounded since 2006•16,098 animals adopted since 2006•21,548 animals euthanized since 2006•57,459 visitors since 2006•41 large canine cages•88 small animal cages (feline, puppy or small dog)•7 full time employees, 1 part time ( 3 road officers, 2 correctional officers, 1 office manager, 1 director & 1 rescue coordinator)•Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10 am – 6pm Saturday & Sunday 1pm – 5pm•Adoption fees $40.00 dogs; $35.00 cats

Facts resource sheet