THE ADOPTION CENTER FACILITY
Each PATCHES adoption center would have an approximate 20,000 – 24,000 sq ft footprint. We recommend free standing sites. Locations would either be leased or purchased depending on what is financially sound. PATCHES would oversee the design and installation of all tenant improvements.
Basic features of an ideal PATCHES Family Pet Adoption Center
ADOPTION CENTER BASICS
Each center provides to the rescues the following;
1) 70 large dog kennels
2) 80 large cat kennels
3) 6 large cat rooms
All kennels and rooms have live feed for public viewing
4) Large indoor exercise/training area
5) Workspace with computers/printers
6) Conference room
7) 2 laundry rooms each with two washers and 4 dryers
8) Grooming/bathing
9) Food preparation/food storage for both dog and cat locations
10) 4 Meet-N-Greet rooms 10’x12’
11) Veterinary located at primary facility with Vet Techs at satellite locations in communication with Veterinarian. Veterinary care provided at reduced rates.
12) Quarantine room
13) Low-cost Vaccine clinics
14) Segmented units with filtration to contain pathogens
RESCUE SUPPORT/EDUCATION
PATCHES believe in growing and strengthening the rescues. This is done by working together and sharing resources that may be in abundance to some rescues and not others, also the availability of low cost medical and food.
PATCHES will have available classes on numerous topics for rescues to allow them to handle more than they do today.
PATCHES have amenities for rescues to use which include work stations, conference rooms, and break room.
All participating rescues also will be on a governing committee reviewing practices and standards on a continuing basis. Each participating rescue will have one vote no matter how many kennels and enclosures they are using. We wish to make PATCHES an innovative incubator making it a model for other communities as well.
FEEDING ANIMALS IN RESCUE – FAIR
This facility will serve as the drop off & pick up point for the food donations that support other local animal rescue groups that are volunteer-based. Food is a major expense for animal rescues that currently prevents them from saving more animals. Colony care givers often work full-time jobs to be able to pay for the food for the colonies they serve.
SOCIAL COLLABORATION
While PATCHES goal is finding homes for dogs and cats, PATCHES believes in using the care of the dog and cat to also help humans. Sometimes giving the human a second chance. A portion of the employees and volunteers will consist of the following categories
PATCHES will hire veterans for animal therapy work. Many studies show the therapeutic value of war veterans working with animals.
PATCHES want to hire displaced youth. These are young people 18-24 years old that need guidance on life and are going down the wrong path to becoming responsible citizens. This group of individuals will be paired up with veterans that know responsibility and structure.
PATCHES invite the elderly to work with the puppies and kittens. This may be in the nursery. A program several years ago was conducted in Tucson where the elderly was able to work with the nursery animals, lowering blood pressure, reduced the need for pharmaceuticals, and gave them purpose in life.
PATCHES see a need for the housing of domestic violence victims’ animals. Some shelters for domestic violence victims have support for their animals also, but not all. The ones that do not many times keeps the victim in a relationship with the fear the spouse will kill or harm their animal. PATCHES will house their animal(s) for volunteer hours and offer and train them for a job within PATCHES.