Members of Oshawa City Council were on hand to celebrate the reopening of Oshawa Animal Services last week, which included small group tours of the newly renovated facility.
Located at 919 Farewell Street, the 16,500-square-foot facility has recently seen the addition of the following:
- Cat isolation room for client intake, as well as a cat adoption room,
- Dog viewing area, complete with accessible meet and greet rooms,
- Two new exterior dog runs,
- New heating, ventilation and air conditioning units to improve ventilation within the facility,
- New fire alarm and carbon dioxide detection system,
- Accessible front entrance and office area, and
- Renovated staff areas, incorporating accessibility features.
The project represents a $705,000 capital investment in the Oshawa Animal Services facility. The capital investment was approved by council as part of the 2020 City Budget deliberations. In addition, as part of the 2020 City Budget deliberations, council approved the addition of an Animal Care Technician position.
The enhancements and additions have improved the day-to-day operations of Oshawa Animal Services, created operational efficiencies, and enhanced client and visitor experience at the facility, said a city statement.
In 2020, Oshawa Animal Services helped over 1,200 animals in finding their “fur-ever” homes. The Animal Shelter’s regular in-person operating hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Saturday. Adoption hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm only.
At this time, visits to Oshawa Animal Services are by appointment only. To book an appointment, call 905-436-3311, ext. 2480. To learn how to apply to adopt an animal, visit the city’s adoption webpage or learn more about our virtual pet adoptions online.
“I am excited that Oshawa Animal Services is opening its doors with an updated facility that will enhance the adoption experience for all involved, as well as improve the living conditions for our animal residents while they wait for their new homes,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “I encourage anyone looking to add an animal companion to their family to make an appointment.”
“As the City of Oshawa continues to grow, the need to expand the services and related facilities of our Oshawa Animal Services needed to grow and develop as well. These improvements will ensure our animal companions are well taken care and also that their human companions have complete confidence dealing with the very capable OAS Staff.” said Councillor Rick Kerr, Chair of the Community Services Committee.
“This major renovation is a significant enhancement to an already great Oshawa Animal Services. Staff and animals alike will benefit, as well as residents thinking of giving an animal a new home!” said Councillor Derek Giberson, Vice-Chair of the Community Services Committee.
“As the Ward 5 Regional and City Councillor and the Council representative on the Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee, I am pleased to see this expansion and improvements to our shelter. These changes show Council’s commitment and combined with our excellent staff, we will continue to set the gold standard for municipal animal care,” said Councillor Brian Nicholson, Ward 5 Regional and City Councillor, and Council Representative, Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee.
“As a City, we can be proud of the way we take care of our favourite pets, even those that do not have a “forever” home,” said Councillor John Gray, Ward 5 City Councillor. “We invite the public back to our shelter and encourage new adoptions!”