courtesy of KENTUCKY HUMANE SOCIETY

Dig this – the Kentucky Humane Society is getting a facelift. Make that a $1.6 million renovation and rejuvenation.

But, amidst the celebration that includes a record number of adoptions in 2009, the agency is still seeking assistance and asking for the community’s help.

“We’re about $375,000 short of our goal,” said Patti Swope, chair of the KHS board. “So we’re still trying to raise that last little bit.” 

In June, as it celebrated its 125th anniversary, KHS began work at the organization’s main campus in South Louisville, which means much for its canine and feline populations. The mega-project includes a 3,000-square-foot addition to the primary shelter, located at 241 Steedly Drive, and enhancements to the existing structure.

courtesy of KENTUCKY HUMANE SOCIETY The Kentucky Humane Society's main campus is undergoing a $1.6 million renovation, which has included updating the building's facade.

“The facility is dated and somewhat rundown as far as the mechanicals,” said Patti Swope, KHS chair. “The other reason for the changes is to improve the health of the animal population.”

The way the facility is set up now, pets are received in an area that moves them through the general population, creating a risk for spreading illness and disease.

“With the new design, the animals will be admitted in one end of the building and they’ll be evaluated there and, if need be, contained to isolation areas without ever having to come into contact (with the general population),” Swope said. “It’ll make a big difference in the health issues that can easily happen in a kennel environment. The main campus improvement process will make it friendlier to the animals and, therefore, make it less stressful.”

courtesy of KENTUCKY HUMANE SOCIETY		courtesy of KENTUCKY HUMANE SOCIETY

Additionally, improvements to the state’s largest pet adoption agency will include a veterinary services wing, the installation of a new air ventilation system throughout the entire facility and enhanced living spaces for dogs and cats.

Cage-less cat colonies for felines who are up for adoption will feature “hammocks and climbing trees and windows looking outside so they’ll be able to act more like cats,” Swope said.

By the way, KHS recently launched a program on “certified pre-owned cats,” said Community Relations Director Karen Koenig. “Adult cats are the slowest to get adopted from our facility.” Thus, you can adopt any cat 1-year-old and older with $0 down, 0 percent financing and no payments. In non-auto salesman terms: adoption fees will be waived.

“The cats,” Koenig added, “come in many makes and models and are loaded with adorable features.”

Improvements to the KHS facility also will provide potential canine adoptees with areas for supervised exercise, training and social interaction with possible adopters. KHS is hoping the visitor-friendly atmosphere will help the organization accomplish its ultimate endeavor: increase the number of pets adopted.

All animals who are adopted from KHS have been spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and given worm, flea and tick preventatives. Owners also receive a $100 Feeders Supply coupon book and more than $100 in KHS pet care gift certificates for boarding, grooming and more.

“Ultimately, we want to have zero euthanizations in the whole community,” Swope said. “I think a lot of people think that the pets that we get are somehow rejects or are not quality pets, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.”

More than 20 percent of the animals at KHS are purebreds. Many have been surrendered to the organization because their owners can no longer keep them due to divorce, health problems, relocation and economic issues.

“These are wonderful pets, and we encourage people to consider the adoption option before buying from a breeder or a pet store,” Swope said. “There’s nothing wrong with that, but adoption is an option too.”

The No. 1 reason people turn in their animals is because of behavior issues.

It’s “typically that cute little puppy turned into a 60-pound dog that no one took the time to train,” Swope explained. KHS established a comprehensive behavior training program in 2000. Among the highlights: basic obedience, problematic behavior resolution and addressing aggression. The agency offers a variety of classes for pets – and their human companions – of all ages and ability levels, with classes occurring throughout the year at locations across town, as well as in-home, private training.

In addition to the renovation, Swope is also particularly excited about the S.N.I.P. Clinic, which KHS opened in February 2007. Analysis of local and national statistics suggested adoptions alone cannot solve an area’s pet overpopulation crisis. Spaying and neutering pets is key.

“(The clinic) is the first low-cost, high-quality spay and neuter clinic in the region,” she said.

Additionally, KHS has purchased property in Lyndon and will open an East End campus that will include an adoption facility, summer camp facility and training area.

“I’ve always had a passion for animals and animal welfare, in particular domesticated dogs and cats who really rely on us,” Swope said. “I certainly don’t take credit for it, but we’ve been able to bring people on board who don’t just love animals, but have the resources to help us achieve what we need to achieve. I’m very proud of that.”

To contact KHS, go to kyhumane.org or visit the facility, which is located at 241 Steedly Drive.