Avoid the Logistical Nightmare
While many new animal shelters are being constructed on a site separate from the existing shelter, many others must be built on the same site as the already operational shelter. This can create a logistical nightmare, and there are a couple of things to consider when constructing a new animal shelter on your existing property.
Changes in Operations
Construction is disruptive no matter how you cut it. Shelters must adapt and remain flexible when continuing shelter operations through construction.
Shelters must provide alternative accommodation for both animals and people. Often, trailers must be rented for animal holding, offices, and clinical services. We try to leave dogs as undisturbed as possible in the existing shelter, as their enclosure and drainage needs are far greater than those of other animals. Staff must be able to move around, and administrative staff may have to move off-site during construction.
Every shelter should strategize how to address potential issues during construction before they become an issue. The design team and contractor should be involved in this conversation. The group must work together to determine project phasing requirements, construction parking and storage requirements, security, and construction and shelter operational adjustments and limitations. The work this team does at the beginning of the project will significantly affect the success of the construction process for a new shelter.
Changes in Finances
Finances are another factor to consider. Very few projects have the funds to fund construction fully. Most non-profit shelters we work with must do some form of fundraising. This requires much time and effort from the shelter and often continues through construction, adding to the abovementioned complexity.
While capital campaign fundraising and construction occur, general shelter donations and sales made at the shelter from animal adoptions, clinical services, and retail items often decrease. Construction is loud and messy, and many public members may need to be made aware that the existing shelter is still in operation. This can mean that the shelter may take a hit in terms of the general operating budget of the existing facility with longer animal holding times and fewer donations such as animal food and monetary donations. Each shelter must budget for this possibility and be ready to adjust to a smaller budget or prepare for this change by saving money before construction to offset the deficit.
Prepare for the Operational and Financial Impacts
Operational and financial changes must be accounted for in every construction project. For animal shelters, it is challenging, particularly operationally, to maintain services and normal operations during construction. Our job at Design Learned, as design professionals and project managers, is to work with you and the contractor to do as much as we can with the building design and construction to help you. We look at things like phasing, overall site layout, construction entrances, public spaces, and many other aspects related to the construction of the new shelter. Call us at 860-889-7078 or schedule a consultation online to learn more about the logistics of building an animal care facility on an existing site.
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