MANTEO, N.C. - A new animal shelter facility has been approved in Dare County as part of the county's Capital Improvement Plan.
When all is said and done, reports show it will cost just over $2 million. The first $75,000 is already budgeted for 2019. The money will go towards researching available areas and buildings, learning the need of the shelter as well as seeing what worked for other counties.
John Graves, executive director of the Outer Banks SPCA, said he wants the new facility to be welcoming and calm for both the animals and the community. “You want it to be a welcoming place. A lot of people can’t come to animal shelters because it’s sad. You want to get away from that stigma as much as you possibly can.”
One thing that he hopes will be taken into consideration is flooding in the area. Last month, animals needed to be temporarily fostered because of standing flood water. Graves said County Commissioner Rob Ross has been "hot" on this issue because he doesn't want the SPCA to have to worry about flooding.
Graves also said the current building has been around for more than 40 years. The facility holds between 120 and 130 animals during this time of year.
If you would like to help the animals at the shelter you can donate:
- Blue Dawn dish soap
- Bleach
- Towels/washcloths
- Cat litter - non-clumping
- Puppy pads
- Purina Kitten Chow
- Kitten wet food
- Laundry detergent
- Dog and cat adult food (wet or dry, but please no red dye)
- Puppy dry and wet food
