For more than a year, the Monmouth County SPCA facility has been undergoing an "extreme makeover" including full renovations to the building plus more support for the thousands of animals in their temporary care. Their newly renovated, state of the art facility is helping to further the MCSPCA mission of reducing euthanasia by increasing adoptions, humane education and support for all animal related issues. 

This project has truly been a labor of love that we are so honored to have been part of. Since 1999 when the shelter declared that they would no longer euthanize any adoptable animal that came through their doors, the MCSPCA has worked hard to further their cause. Through the efforts of many kind and hardworking individuals, they have transformed their facility from "dog pound" where animals cower in cramped cages, to a welcoming and spacious haven of safety where every pet gets a second chance for a loving, forever home.

At the time of renovation, Mr. John provided on-site restroom units for the many individuals who frequented the general area during this challenging time of transition. The building did have a working restroom, but with so many extra people coming and going, there was often a long waiting line to use the facilities.

We placed two of our nicer VIP Restrooms, Maxim units offering flush and hand washing capability, outside in the parking lot. These came in handy for workers, employees, volunteers and others visiting the shelter or thrift shop. In addition, since no hook ups are required on the Maxim, we were able to locate the restrooms in the parking lot without the need for water or electricity. The added facilities helped cut down on the amount of people using the interior restrooms. It also helped to reduce the amount of traffic through the shelter.

The shelter has come such a long way in just a little over a year and the animals, workers and volunteers alike have taken to their new home quite readily. The building now features natural habitats for animals of like species, and each area has its own air system which reduces stress and the spread of disease.

Here are just a few of the wonderful updates they have made:

• new acoustical treatment in the ceiling to muffle sound, making it less frightening for the animals
• more natural light which has a calming effect
• new ductwork to carry in fresh air from the outside, reducing the spread of disease
• addition of spacious "cat gazebos", where cats can roam freely amongst their friends and even climb "cat trees" made by a wonderful woman in Florida
• roomy new dog digs, featuring kuranda beds and see-through glass walls with "sniff holes" shaped like pet paws so dogs can "interview" their potential new owners
• a separate room for the smaller animals such as guinea pigs, mice and hamsters, as well as one for iguanas, snakes and other reptiles
• quarantine areas for sick animals
• a new Community Room where the SPCA will offer a full range of dog obedience training, animal-themed seminars, humane education classes and more

If you are in the area, stop by and see this amazing facility. Interested in learning more about this wonderful project? Visit the Monmouth County SPCA web site at www.monmouthcountyspca.org.