Animal Shelter Plans - More Than a Fancy New Building

Animal Shelter Architects Should Strongly Consider First Impressions

Animal Shelter Plans 

Animal shelter plans must account for human psychology’s role in how the community’s animal shelter is perceived.  You know the saying, ‘You only have one chance to make a first impression.’  When designing and planning an animal shelter, the animal shelter architect should imagine the initial impression of a potential adopter/donor/community member.  What will he or she think the first time they tour the building?  Imagine the guest arriving in the parking; walking along the sidewalk to the entrance; entering the shelter for the first time. What does he or she experience?

Animal Shelter Plans - A Warm and Welcoming Lobby Area is Crucial

Both the animal shelter plans and animal shelter building must convey a sense of comfort.  The shelter should be an inviting, low stress environment that provides a sense of well-being.  It should have lots of natural light, live plants, and present the animals in an attractive manner which encourages their adoptions; putting the animals’ best foot forward (no pun intended).

At Shelterplanners, our animal shelter architects incorporate several design considerations when determining how to give the shelter the best chance to be a success in the community.  A few design considerations include:

•  How are animals received and housed?
•  How is the building cleaned and disinfected?
•  How is sound controlled?
•  How are guests greeted?  

Your animal shelter architect should take time to understand your vision, your procedures and workflows, and the human psychology element of designing an animal shelter.  Unfortunately, improving adoption rates and operating a successful animal shelter is about more than a pretty, new building.  There are several custom variables that need to be addressed prior to designing and planning a shelter.  These building are highly specialized. It takes an experienced team of architects and builders to deliver a building that gives the animals and the community the best chance to succeed.