By Paul Thompson

Northeast News

September 22, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – The City of Kansas City, Missouri announced plans on Thursday, September 22 to build a new animal shelter that would be more than four times larger than the 14,000 square-foot facility which currently houses the Kansas City Pet Project.

During a special press conference at the Starlight Theatre, city leaders including Mayor Sly James discussed plans for a new 60,000 square-foot facility set to be constructed on 10 acres of land at the intersection of Elmwood and Gregory. The proposed animal shelter, which is expected to go before the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners on Tuesday, September 27, has been proposed to replace Kansas City Pet Project’s 44-year-old shelter located at 4400 Raytown Road.

James said during the announcement that the new shelter would expand the city’s public/private sponsorship with KC Pet Project.

“That partnership has doubled the city’s investment in our pets and will now increase our ability to fundraise while increasing our commitment to a no-kill refuge,” said James. “We want residents to know that we heard you, and that we’re responding to what we heard. We absolutely understand the love and dedication that Kansas City and Kansas Citians have for their pets, and we want to create a first-class space where pets can grow and thrive.”

According to an information sheet released on Thursday, KC Pet Project’s current facility isn’t ADA compliant and the HVAC system doesn’t meet modern shelter airflow recommendations. There is also inadequate space for community classes, a cramped lobby area, and a shortage of employee office space. The Missouri Department of Agriculture recommended in 2008 that the building be replaced, and KC Pet Project employees indicated that keeping the no-kill designation at the current cramped location has been ‘a miracle.’

The new facility is expected to house a more modern veterinary clinic, be equipped with a better HVAC system, and provide more space for school groups, training, and educational programs. James noted that the new facility is expected to help KC Pet Project care for the ever-increasing volume of animals being brought to the shelter.

“The animal shelter has gone from taking in 6,700 pets per year to more than 9,400 in just this past year alone,” said James. “That’s a significant increase, and it shows the need to do something different.”

While specific budget details were not released during the press conference, city staffers indicated that the new facility could cost between $14 million and $18 million. City Manager Troy Schulte indicated that further details about the planned facility will be released shortly.

“It’s a great public/private partnership, and it’s long overdue in this city,” said Schulte. “Thank you very much, and look for more information soon.”