Dog kennel renovations at Faithful Friends Animal Society in Wilmington will kick off after the New Year, but they need to make some space first.
The shelter keeps about 45 dogs at any given time, but can only hold 15 during the $200,000 project.
Executive Director Jane Pierantozzi says she hopes people will consider adoption, but even fostering an animal for the four-week installation period.
“We would provide a crate and instructions on that dog’s needs. It’s also a nice way if someone wants to adopt, but they’re not 100 percent sure, they could foster for the four weeks and if it works out and they think it’s a good fit for them then they could adopt after that time,” said Pierantozzi.
She says the new living arrangements will be easier to clean and help to control noise levels.
“Right now, there’s no panels between the dogs so when one barks they all start barking and it becomes very noisy and hard for visitors to feel comfortable coming to see dogs. So, we know this will help visitors as well to feel comfortable seeing the dogs and keeping it quieter,” said Pierantozzi.
The renovation also includes building two rooms for potential adopters to meet animals in outside of the kennel.
Faithful Friends had been raising money for the project since last year, but received a large donation from Dr. Sandra Gibney. The new kennel space will be dedicated to her late mother.