Renovations at Ulster County SPCA
Dog yard re-surfacing and two ‘catios’ are among the improvements
Over the past few months, renovations have been taking place at the Ulster County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals that help make the facility more comfortable for its dog and cat residents.
Executive Director Gina Carbonari said the renovations began in April and the finishing touches will be added this week. She said the renovations, which includes a rebranding for the non-profit shelter, were funded through donations and largely completed by volunteers.
The renovations include changes to the front corrals for the dog residents, such as putting down all natural mulch to keep the ground from becoming muddy during rainy weather, Carbonari said.
“We just made things a little bit easier for them to use,” she said of the renovations.
Carbonari said some patios were also added that make the facility peoplefriendly too. She said the patios provide a place for potential adopters to watch dog introductions and also a place for volunteers to sit while they are taking care of the canines.
There are also boneshaped pools with drains in them, which can accommodate both large and small dogs, Carbonari said. A dog playground area has also been added, she said.
“It’s about providing a space that’s a little safer for the dogs,” Carbonari said. She said it is cleaner and more efficient, and also provides a great enrichment area.
And for the cats, their outdoor areas have been enhanced and include new ledges, perches and cubbyholes, Carbonari said. She said the renovations provide a lot more space for the felines to enjoy the outdoors in an enclosed, safe environment.
“They’re out there constantly,” Carbonari added.
The renovations will be shown off during a ribbon cutting event with the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce that is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., Aug. 21 at the shelter located at 20 Wiedy Road.
Carbonari said the shelter will also be holding adoption events to help find homes for its animal residents. She said one of those is the national Clear the Shelters day on Aug. 18. On that day, adoption fees for all adult animals will be waived, Carbonari said.