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Health & Fitness

New Dog Adoption Center Opens

Project funded entirely through grants and private donations.

The opened its new Dog Adoption Center on Friday morning and so far the dogs seem to be enjoying their new digs.

The renovation project broke ground on April 4. The original dog kennels, which dated back 42 years, included chain-link fencing, narrow walkways, and high echoing ceilings, all of which created an unwelcoming atmosphere for adoption dogs, staff, volunteers and visitors. The renovation focused on providing more comfortable housing for homeless dogs (more than 1,100 every year), and presenting a more welcoming environment for potential adopters. Exisiting kennel space has been reconfigured with modern housing (increasing housing capacity from 17 to 22 rooms), wider walkways, and significantly improved soundproofing.

The project was funded entirely through grants and private donations. In just over one year, the Marin Humane Society raised more than $700,000 for the renovation effort.

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The Main Gallery features 13 individual rooms (7 feet by 7 1/2 feet), plus a second room with four back-to-back runs (4 feet by 19 feet). Natural light flows through the gallery via a large skylight and windows. A planter feature divides the main room, creating a visual barrier between the rooms. The planter serves as storage for supplies and also provides temporary housing for the dogs while their rooms are being cleaned.

In addition, each individual dog room in the Main Gallery contains speakers with the capability to play soothing music, skylights for increased natural light, glass fronts for a more interactive visitor experience, retractable side doors for flexible housing and a ventilation system that allows for continuous fresh air from outisde so potentially contaminated air is not circulated.

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Located across the hall from the Main Gallery is the Small Dog/Puppy Room with five individual runs. This room also features speakers, sound absorbing panels, glass fronts and upgraded ventilation system.

Finally, the area outside the Main Gallery has been reconfigured to include two additional get acquainted yards, furnished with Field Turf grass. A wider walking path, additional lighting and landscapting complete the project.

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