HAP to open $3 million upgraded shelter with fewer pups

The Humane Animal Partners is unveiling its $3 million renovated Stanton/Christiana location Wednesday with changes that will help ensure the health of its dogs and ease the burden of staff.

The project, which began last November, helps with the group’s mission to ensure every animal receives the love and care they deserve. 

“The building could hold as many as 60 dogs before, and that was just too many,” said Patrick Carroll, chief executive officer of Humane Animal Partners. “It was overwhelming for the staff, overwhelming for the dogs, it isn’t really the best thing to do health wise.”

In July, a canine respiratory illness forced several shelters to close. 

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This included a state-mandated closure of shelters, including Humane Animal Partners, for 30 days.

During this time, the group halted dog intakes and dog adoptions. 

Carroll said they received guidance and advice from a shelter medicine consultant to help during the renovations.

Changes to the shelter

“That’s one of the key decisions we made, to decrease the number of dogs,” he said, “so it’s really only about 30 dogs that we’re going to house there at a time.”

He said this will decrease the stress on staff and allow them to give each dog the proper care and attention they need.

It will also be less congested which will be better for their health.

The shelter was built in the 1970s, so in addition to logistical upgrades, an aesthetic and modernized upgrade was needed.

The lobby, intake and adoption areas were all updated. 

“One great thing is that the whole building has a fire sprinkler system, which helps me sleep at night and also keep the animals safe in case of a fire,” Carroll said. “One of the most clear updates is the facade of the building, in the front of the building we added some nice features of stone and wood to make it new and attractive, and lots of glass.”

He said he loves that the front lobby now has a ton of natural light and a cathedral ceiling that makes everything feel more open.

There were also sound baffles added to muffle some of the noise when dogs are barking. 

The renovated building will have a new community room to be used for meetings, volunteer orientation, community education programs and more. 

There will be about 40 cats in the building. 

The public is invited to the HAP Stanton/Christiana grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon at 455 Stanton Christiana Road in Newark. 

Along with speakers, there will be tours of the new building and light refreshments.

Register here.