65th Years of Connecting Families with 4-legged Friends
AWA’s Building Expansion & New Clinic Overview
The AWA has embarked on the first phase of our shelter and facilities’ expansion project. During 2013, AWA will
address our site challenges to make our property suitable for a larger operation. This means new water, gas and
electrical, sewer services, level paved and lite parking and a storm water management system so our lobby no longer
floods on rainy days.
This April, we start construction of a new single story, 4300 sq. ft. Spay/Neuter & Wellness clinic and future education
center to replace the current clinic – which is actually a trailer we added to the shelter back in 1973!
Upon completion of this work AWA will be able to:
- Have a site we can expand our shelter on over the next few years to improve the care we give our shelter pets as
well as increase the number of dogs and cats we can house.
o AWA has the least number of dog runs compared to the other 3 area shelters. This is the #1 constraint
on AWA saving more dogs.
-
Increase the number of pets we spay/neuter each year from 12,000 to nearly 20,000.
-
Expand our affordable pet vaccine days and basic care hours, as well as, provide for these visits in separate rooms
and not in the reception area. We helped 4,500 pets in 2012 and plan to help 8,000 come 2015.
-
Increase our “Helping Hands” services by 100 a year. In 2012 AWA provided nearly 100 lifesaving medical surgeries
to pets whose owners would have euthanized them otherwise, due to the cost of the procedures.
-
Deliver more intense medical care to pets that are in the care of other shelters and rescue groups. We expect to
provide additional veterinary services to 1,000 dogs and cats residing at other shelters and rescues.
-
Help more pets and their owners. Many of our services are there for many who can’t afford veterinary care and
sometimes that means people aren’t able to afford to put their pet to sleep when the time comes. The new clinic
has room for helping these pets and their owners. Today we accommodate the people and their pets in the surgery
room after we complete surgery but they are surrounded by clients and staff during this emotional time.
-
Increase our volunteer base. We will be able to physically fit more volunteers in the space to help the clinic. We
will include externships for veterinary students and veterinary technicians….something we have to turn away now.
-
Provide visitors with a safer parking lot and designate an area to put up a three-season tent. We will revive our kids’
summer camp and provide a balanced and exciting experience for nearly 150 kids, come the summer of 2014.
-
Begin a “work skill development” program for teenagers. Youth can come to AWA to learn customer service, animal
care, veterinary technology skills and more, as part of their education.
-
In the vacated clinic, AWA shelter pets can receive medical treatment and behavioral rehabilitation. This will help
today’s shelter pets during the years it may take AWA to move forward with Phase 2’s completion.
-
Host several summer-time Yappy Pet Parties to bring the public onto our site to see adoptable animals. Many people
are afraid to go to a shelter because it is sad; yet to save pets, we need them to come on-site and see all of the good
things that occur at AWA to help pets and people.
Funding Meaningful Change:
To fund this exciting and momentous capital project, the AWA is seeking capital gifts with appropriate naming
recognition.
Gifts can be pledged, and gifts over $15,000 may be paid over two calendar years.
All capital recognition is for the life of the intended space and not in perpetuity. Some have defined limits. For more
information, click on “Signage Opportunities.”
Phase 1’s success will allow AWA to embark on a funding campaign for Phase 2. Phase 2 is the full renovation of the
existing 5000 sq. ft. shelter and the addition of over 8,000 sq. ft. of new dog and cat kennels, medical care areas, and
support spaces. The need for new animal areas is essential since today’s standards for safety, sanitation, stress
reduction and more have changed drastically since 1966.
Summary:
The total construction
estimates for Phase 1
is estimated at
$1,350,000 to
$1,600,000.
AWA’s 1973 Clinic in action. Carriers are cleaned and waiting for “pick up” in the
Clinic’s reception area. Clinic staff prepares a pet for surgery while a student watches,
and a technician (in the rear) is cleaning surgery instruments in the surgery rooms. To
the right is the cat recovery area and only counter area for preparing medicines.
AWA received a
bequest in 2010 and
allocated these funds
to developing our site.
Then in 2010, the
board decided to
designate saved funds
from the past decade
toward the project for the longtime welfare of our community’s pets and the success of our charity. This fall, AWA
learned it would receive another generous estate from a longtime supporter who believed in the future expansion and
services. All three commitments allowed AWA to move ahead with a manageable gap in pledged/secured funds for the
expansion and the project’s total expenses. The “gap” is for the clinic’s completion for items like: special finishes,
outfitting and equipment needs. AWA is undertaking a special major gift appeal to raise an additional $350,000 from
existing donors and supportive foundations.
AWA is excited to offer a variety of
naming opportunities so you can
proudly be a part of our shelter, clinic
expansion, and/or land upgrades.
Your gift will give us the opportunity
to continually save the lives of
animals in our community. For more
information, check our website at
awanj.org, or contact Gina at
(856)424-2288, ext. 110 or
[email protected].
2012 Rendering of the exterior of the new clinic.
On behalf of the AWA’s leadership, staff, and volunteers and as the voice of the animals we help, we thank you for
considering our project.
There is nothing more frustrating than knowing
you have a stellar program and could do more to
save lives, help people, keep pets safe, but
struggle to do some because of physical
constraints.
AWA’s people have compassionate hearts,
nimble hands, and keen minds all aligned to see
our services continue to exceed expectation.
Phase 2 – Shelter Renovation & Expansion
Exterior Rendering of AWA’s new clinic and renovated and expanded shelter, after Phases 2 is funded and constructed,
approximately $4,500,000 to raise between 2013 and 2016.