The Most Overlooked Step When Designing and Planning an Animal Shelter

We see a recurring mistake among animal shelter directors: they believe financing is the first step when planning to build an animal shelter.  While financing seems a logical place to start the planning process- how can you build a shelter without the funds? – it’s incorrect.

The first step is to determine how much space you need for both the animals you care for and the shelter staff that cares for the animals.  Not only should the planning process incorporate the size of your shelter today but also should account for future growth.  By determining the size of the shelter you need today, a shelter can be designed to handle only your current needs, while also designed for future growth.  This serves two benefits:

1. You only need to finance and/or raise money for a shelter to care for your current animal intake; meaning you can get a new, more efficient shelter built sooner than if you had to raise or finance huge sums of money for an oversized shelter
2. If the animal shelter is designed for future growth, you will save money on future architectural and building expenses when it’s time for an addition

After you determine how much space is needed for your animal shelter, you can get an accurate estimate on the total construction and design cost of the shelter.  You are now armed with an estimate and plan for your shelter, which you can communicate to your board and community.  The financing portion is much easier with a well-conceived plan that includes factual, data-based projections.

Always consult with an architect and/or builder that have experience with designing and building animal shelters.  Unfortunately, a bigger building isn’t the answer to solving animal control problems.  Many new animal shelters quickly fill to capacity.  When this occurs, another round of capital and fundraising is needed for either an addition or a complete redesign of the shelter.

Shelterplanners is always here to help you with ANY questions you have about your shelter.  Shelterplanners has the resources to help design, build, and finance your animal shelter.  Please feel free to contact us if you have ANY questions. Together we can: Save Time. Save Money. Save Animals.