The physical facility affects virtually every aspect of shelter operations, from animal health and welfare; to cost of operations and staffing efficiency; to public perception and the number of animals served. Good shelter design embodies the goals and mandates of the sheltering organization and optimizes the experiences of animals, staff, volunteers, adopters, and the community, now and into the future.

Our shelter facility design consultations help you get the most out of your shelter design or redesign. Our service can include collection and analysis of historical shelter population data to assess required housing unit numbers and type; advice on facility layout; kennel/cage design; and review of materials and mechanical systems as they relate to disease control and animal wellness. We can review plans (sent electronically or mailed); perform a site visit if desired and schedules permit; provide recommendations via phone/web conference; and offer follow-up phone or email advice as needed.

Our approach is practical and flexible: we have advised on projects with budgets ranging from <$50,000 to multi-million dollar facilities. Our goal is to provide suggestions that work for the organization. Depending on the complexity of the project the initial estimate is likely to be 30-200 hours for collection of preliminary information, review of plans, phone conferences to provide initial recommendations and follow-up. Typically, charges for a design consultation run from $10,000 – $30,000 depending on the scope.

Facility Assessment

If you would like an evaluation of how well your current facility is set up to optimize animal health and welfare, we offer a standalone facility assessment service that includes a site visit, data review, written evaluation, and recommendations for improvement. Cost ranges from $5,000 – $10,000 plus travel expenses.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact sheltermedicine@ucdavis.edu.