Tallahassee Animal Service Center Ready for a Major ‘Pupgrade’

September 04, 2024

Tallahassee Animal Services is pawsitively excited to announce that major shelter renovations will begin later this month to improve the quality of life for its furry visitors, boost operational efficiency and enhance the adoption experience.

Upgrades to the Dog Adoption Wing will include safer and more functional kennels, sound baffles to reduce noise levels and an improved drainage system. Visual barriers will be added to support canine behavioral health, and some kennels will be modified to accommodate larger dogs. The Veterinary Suite will be expanded to include more surgical recovery space, ensuring better care post-surgery. The new ‘Sunshine’ Yard will provide a much-needed outdoor area for dogs that have to stay at the shelter for extended periods.

“We are thrilled about the planned renovations and how when complete, the shelter will better meet the needs of the animals and their future families,” said Erika Leckington, Tallahassee Animal Services Director. “The community’s support is more important than ever during this exciting time of transformation. We encourage everyone to spread the word about the benefits of adopting a pet.”

To accommodate the construction, Animal Services will make several changes. Starting September 4, the shelter will expand its open kennel hours to Wednesday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m., while maintaining daily appointment hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beginning September 18, the shelter will offer fee-waived adoptions on all animals. Prior to the start of construction on September 30, all dogs must be relocated from the Dog Adoption Wing, which has very limited space.

The online kennel, where you can view animals currently available for adoption, is updated hourly with new arrivals. For those unable to adopt, fostering a dog is another great way to help, with all care and supplies provided by the shelter. Volunteering is also a wonderful way to contribute, and during the renovation, there is no minimum time requirement, so any help is appreciated. Additionally, pet owners are urged to microchip their pets to ensure quick reunions should they go missing, preventing unnecessary shelter stays. Animal Services offers $10 microchipping by appointment, and it’s essential to keep your contact information current with the microchip company.

For those who lose or find a pet, the Lost & Found pages are updated hourly, and reports can be submitted online to aid in quick reunions. If you find a pet, please consider holding onto the animal for at least 48 hours after submitting a report, giving the owner time to come forward before the animal enters the shelter.

For pet owners considering surrendering their pets, using social media or the rehome program, which helps connect owners with potential adopters directly, are good first steps. Should surrendering be necessary, please call Animal Services to schedule an appointment, as anticipating intakes is crucial with the limited space available during renovations.

Construction is anticipated to last nine months resulting in limited space for dogs, making it crucial to find adoptable homes or foster placements immediately. To reduce the number of dogs entering the shelter, intakes will be limited to critical needs.

Don’t wait – meet adoptable dogs by visiting Tallahassee Animal Services, 1125 Easterwood Drive, during open kennel hours or make an appointment. For more information, visit Talgov.com/Animals.