 Photo: Kiki, an Animal Ark alumni, hangs out in front of a flickering fireplace in one of the new luxury socialization rooms in the new adoption center at the Animal Ark shelter in Hastings, Minnesota. The new adoption center is intended to serve as a prototype for a series of new adoption centers planned to be built throughout the Twin Cities metro area.
When most people think of animal shelters, they think of dark, dirty and depressing places. That fact, according to a growing number of animal welfare advocates, is why nearly 50% of the animals brought to animals shelters are killed each year.
The statistics tell the story
Every year in the United States there are more families looking to acquire a cat than the total number of felines that enter animal shelters. Even more telling is the data relating to dogs. Every year more than twice as many families are looking to get a dog than the total number of dogs entering animal shelters.
While many animal shelters have blamed the high volume of shelter deaths on "pet overpopulation" a growing body of evidence suggests that shelters have done a poor job advertising, marketing and displaying their animals available for adoption. As a result, too many people look to pet shops (whose source of animals is puppy mills) and newspaper ads (that are generally puppy mill ads) when looking to obtain a pet.
A New Model
Animal Ark's new adoption center has completely shattered the notion of "animal shelter". Instead of a dark, depressing atmosphere, visitors will find a happy, home-like environment where people and companion animals can be comfortable while they get to know each other.
"We wanted to take what most people thought of when they thought of an 'animal shelter' and completely throw it out the window," said Mike Fry, executive director of Animal Ark. "The results have been dramatic. The new adoption center does not look, sound, smell or feel like an animal shelter. Even more importantly, we are adopting more animals into new homes since the adoption center opened."
Now Open
Animal Ark's new adoption center is now open. Stop down anytime to check it out. Or, join us for our Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 20 from 11 AM - 5 PM. There will be shelter tours, coffee and snacks. Hope to see you there!
The new adoption center was built using funds donated by a Minnesota-based foundation and other generous donors. |  | Animal Ark Adoption Center Amenities Include:
- Private socialization rooms for getting to know dogs and cats
- Private, fenced yards for "potty breaks"
- Fireplaces
- High-definition televisions playing educational videos relating to dog and cat training and socialization
- Feature-length, animal-themed films and documentaries
- Gourmet coffee
- Free Wi-Fi
- Outdoor, off-leash play areas
- Comfortable furniture
- Luxurious dog kennels that feature soft, raised beds, blankets and chew toys
- Cage-free housing for felines
- Near-by park for long walks or biking with dogs
Animal Ark Adoption Center Holiday Open House:
Saturday, December 20
11 AM - 5 PM
Shelter tours, coffee & snacks
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