barcs needs assessment study 8-15-14

8/10/2019 BARCS Needs Assessment Study 8-15-14

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Shelter Planners of America, Copyright Page 1of 44

Needs Assessment Study for

Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter

(BARCS)

301 Stockholm Street

Baltimore, MD 21230

August 15, 2014

1106 W. Randol Mill Rd. Suite 300, Arlington, TX 76012 Phone (817) 265-8522 www.shelterplannersof America.com


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Table of Contents

I Scope of Study 3

II Demographics 5A. People population and animal levels 5B. Current Number of Staff 7C. Current Operating Budget 9

III Current Building 10A. Conditions and Capacities 10

IV Recommendations for New Shelter 16A. Proposed Site 16B. Design Concept 18C. Interior Features 20D. Heating, Venti lating, Air Condit ioning (HVAC) 27E. Animal Capacity 28F. Proposed Spaces & Square Footage 29G. Preliminary Estimated Construction Budget 39

V. Summary 40


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I. Scope of Study

This study is an update of a previous study prepared by Shelter Planners of America in 2007

authorized by Jennifer Brause, Executive Director of the Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care

Shelter (BARCS) in order to accurately examine the current status of its present facility and

operations and determine future shelter building needs. The study takes into account

updated demographic trends, the number of animals handled in recent years, the proposed

construction budget, operating budget, operational programs, current staffing levels and

agency objectives and goals.

Front view of existing shelter on Stockholm St.

Because this Needs Assessment study focuses on the requirements of a new building, many

factors are examined in detail, including: existing sheltercondition, site considerations, sizeof the needed facility, type of construction, layout, materials, finishes, areas of future program

expansion, and construction and operating costs.

A complete listing is made of all spaces needed and square footage based on our

discussions with staff and management. Also covered are special features, special

equipment needed, animal capacities, a projected operating budget, construction budget and


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operational considerations. The goal of this Needs Assessment Study is to provide BARCS

with all the critical information and recommended approaches needed for their future

direction and facility needs. From this study, a complete program can be developed in a

timely and cost effective manner.

It should be understood this study is the first step in planning a new shelter. The second step

will be to develop the Site Plan and Building Floor Plan based on approved Building Program

contained in this Needs Assessment Study. The third and final step will be development of

the working drawings and specifications for competitive bidding.


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II. Demographics

A. Population, Animal Levels and Programs

BARCS serves a people population of approximately 622,000 for 2013. The number of stray

and owner released unwanted dogs and cats currently handled yearly by BARCS areapproximately 11,800. This total is composed of approximately 4,900 dogs and 6,900 cats.

There are also approximately 650 animals of other miscellaneous species received each

year.

Nationally, the number of animals normally generated annually is 3-4% of the human

population. For Baltimores 622,000 people this would translate into potentially 18,600-

24,800 animals turned into the local shelters annually. Since BARCS handles about 11,800

animals annually and, in the past, the Maryland SPCA handled about 7,000, it means the two

shelters are receiving 18,800 animals per year and this number is in line with national

averages.

Over the next 20 years the Baltimore population is projected to increase to approximately

646,000 which could push annual animal numbers up to 19,300 animals. More extensive

preventative programs including low cost and subsidized spay/neuter procedures and public

education (promoting responsible pet ownership) is part of the solution to reducing the large

numbers of unwanted and stray animals.

The underlying overpopulation of pets is caused by irresponsible pet ownership and

uncontrolled breeding of pets. Although animal overpopulation is beginning to come down

nationwide due to remedial programs, it can be countered by increasing human population

and a public not acting as responsible pet owners.

Of the animals presently received by BARCS, approximately 71% (8,136) are adopted

directly or turned over to rescue groups for adoption. The number of adoptions is very good

(with the help of transfers to groups). Many modern shelters have adoption rates of 40-60%.

4% (504) of animals are returned to their owners. The number of returns to owners is low

when compared to other similarly sized shelters; many modern shelters have return to owner

rates between 10-20%. Euthanized animals account for 25% (2,924) of the total number of


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animals received. The euthanasia rate is good compared to other modern shelters that have

rates of 2045%.

As cute as these puppies are, irresponsib le pet ownership, resultsin about 2,924 animals being euthanized each year at BARCS.

With a new, more visible facility, BARCS will be able to strengthen its programs to increase

visitors and adoptions and hopefully increase returns of lost dogs and cats to owners.

Examples of these strengthened programs are:

low cost spay neuter programs for the general public

free collar and ID tag program for all Baltimore pets

owner education

foster pet homes

pet health and behavior rehabilitation

counseling for pet owners with problems keeping their pets

progressive, responsible owner ordinances

ongoing, well promoted, shelter adoption programs including expanded evening

and weekend hours.

Proactive return to owner program

Pet retention programs

Enhanced medical program


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Higher volume of spay and neuter

BARCS has made a vast improvement in the increase in adoptions and reduction in

euthanasia since our original study in 2007.

B. Number of Staff

The present animal shelter staff consists of 46 full-time staff positions and 11 part-time

positions as follows:

1. Executive Director (1 FT)

2. Administrative Assistant (1 FT)

3. Office Manager (1 FT)

4-8. Customer Service Representatives (5 FT)

9. Veterinary Medical Director (1 FT)

10. Veterinarian (1 FT)

11. Veterinary Technician Manager (1 FT)

12-17. Veterinary Technicians (6 FT)

18-19. Surgery Technicians (2 FT)20-23. Surgery Assistants (2 PT and 2 FT)

24. Animal Care Manager (1 FT)

25. Enrichment Coordinator (1 FT)

26-42. Animal Care Attendants (12 FT, 5 PT)

43. Animal Care Attendant Assistant (1 FT)

44. Business Manager (1 PT)

45. Volunteer Manager (1 FT)

46. Director of Operations (1 FT)

47. Program Manager (1FT)

48. Rescue Coordinator (1 FT)

49-51. Adoption counselor (2 FT and 1 PT)

52. Foster Coordinator (1 FT)

53. Offsite Adoption Counselor (1FT)


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54. Development Director (1 FT)

55. Development Associate (1 PT)

56. Events Coordinator (1 FT)

57. Development Administrative Assistant (1 PT)

The staffing level is within average levels compared to most shelters across the Country

handling approximately the same number of animals and having similar adoption results.

The new shelter has a projected staff increase of 56 members, totaling 113, in order to

sufficiently operate and maintain the facility and animals.

Current and projected staff members


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C. Current Operating Budget

The present annual total operating budget is $2,622,083 (this does not include Animal

Control). The average cost per animal handled is $222 (shelter only) based on 11,800

animals and the $2,622,083 total operational budget. Nationally, animal shelter operational

budgets run between $150 and $500 per animal (shelter operation only). The BARCS shelter

budget is within the normal range.

The proposed new shelter will be larger than the present building. It is logical to assume this

larger facility will require additional staff in the animal areas because of more animals being

held and more kennels will need to be cleaned daily. The administrative areas and staffing

may also need to increase to handle more animals and expand programs to increase

adoptions and reduce euthanasia.


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III. Current Building Status

A. Conditions and Capacities

The present shelter is approximately 29 years old. The nonprofit group (Baltimore Animal

Rescue & Care Shelter, Inc.) was founded in 2005 to be responsible for the shelter operation.

The present building contains approximately 22,000 square feet plus a trailer house and

several portable buildings have been added. The shelter currently has 114 dog runs and

utilizes a fully enclosed indoor design.

The present dog kennels are cramped, have poor drainagedesign, poor air exchange rates and deteriorated finishes

Unfortunately, the kennels are built with little provision for noise control and little natural

window light, undesirable style gutter drainage design, poor finishes, etc.

The kennels have the look of an industrial warehouse. This is exactly the opposite of the

welcoming, pleasant look needed to encourage the public to visit for adoptions and returns.


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A view of the dog kennel area with in the shelter. Kennels arenoisy and somewhat dark and unpleasant for the public to visit .

Generally, the building was not very well designed for its purpose as an animal shelter. The

dog kennels were not designed for ease of cleaning and maintaining the animals in a healthy

state. The staff has done the best job possible of maintaining the building under difficult

conditions. They are to be commended for keeping the building clean and presentable to the

public.

The building lacks good circulation and flow patterns for the staff and public. The entrances

for public visitors and animal receiving are not well defined and create additional work for

staff and confusion for the public. The shelter was built with low to average quality materials

and finishes.


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Existing layout of bui lding

The cooling, heating and ventilation system is outdated and is not providing the best fresh air

exchange and air purification for the animals health protection. Typically, unless a shelter is

designed by specialists, the HVAC systems will not be engineered for the special health

needs of animals.

One of the several cat holding rooms - all cat roomsare windowless and not very inviting to the public.


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There is holding for approximately 102 cats. The basic shelter design and structure is very

dated and in only fair general condition. The present shelter facility was built with a very tight

budget at the time of construction. Although an effort was made to construct a good shelter,

poor design and wear have taken a toll on the present structure.

Several cat holding rooms are located in spaces that

are very cramped, have no natural window l ight and are notconducive to promoting visi ting and adoptions.

The shelters public reception, front office and other offices have been kept in generally good

condition and make a presentable impression for the public. Some cat cages were placed

near the front reception which helps show off some cats for adoption. Unfortunately, the

balance of animal holding and dog kennel areas make an unfavorable impression because of

the poor original design.


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The front public reception and front office area is in faircondi tion. Notice cat adoption cages to the left.

Trailer being used for dog intake.A second trailer is currently being added for the TNR program.

In general, the shelter needs to be replaced with a new building on a new site with good

public exposure to allow more preventative programs, return of more lost animals to their

owners and more animals to find new homes.


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Existing site

The existing site has approximately 50 parking spaces. In addition, BARCS has temporary

access to a parking lot on adjacent property with an additional 40 spaces; however, these will

not be available once the adjacent property is developed.


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IV. Recommendations for New Shelter

A. Proposed Site

BARCS is currently located on a prime 3 acre water front site ideal for commercial

development. It is inevitable the shelter will be relocated to make way for future commercial

development that is consistent with the sites highest and best use.

Location of existing si te

The qualifications of the new site are very important for the special needs of the shelter. Any

site for the new BARCS shelter should be examined for compliance to the following criteria:

1. Visibility. This is a very important concern for any new shelter; however, it is most often

overlooked. In the past, it was customary to locate shelters at out-of-the-way, least

expensive properties such as industrial parks, sewage and water treatment plants. The

theory was that if someone wanted to visit the shelter, they could call for directions to find it.

Today it is being recognized that locating shelters in high-visibility locations not only


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increases visitors and the number of pets adopted and returned to owners, but also reduces

the need for animal euthanasia and helps build public awareness and community goodwill.

Coupled with an active adoption promotion program, this location and visibility factor can

increase adoptions and reduce euthanasia.

2. Accessibi lity. It is important that the new shelter be centrally located to the area it

serves. If the shelter were located in a far corner of the jurisdiction, and driving time should

become lengthy, people would be less likely to use the shelter. That long drive would mean

people being less likely to come to look for lost pets or visit for adoptions. The site should

have good access on and off of a major freeway.

3. Suitability. It is very important to check potential sites for availability of utilities such as

sewer, water, gas and electricity, and also to check for wetland concerns, zoning restrictions,

easements, right-of-ways and setbacks. If some of these criteria are not met satisfactorily, it

may be possible to achieve changes via rezoning, etc., but that must be factored into any site

decision. Shelter Planners of America recommends we be commissioned to provide an

evaluation of any proposed site being seriously considered for the new shelter.

4. Parking. Adequate parking is very important for the success of the new shelter. The

parking for the new shelter is estimated as follows:

Staff 90

Volunteers 20

Animal Control 20

Visitors 50

Total 180*

(*needed at any one time.)

5. Site Size. The new site needs to be approximately 7 acres. This is based on mostly a one

story building. We have allowed for approximately 3,000 to 4,000 SF of office space to be on

a second floor. The site size is also based on using a courtyard design with indoor/outdoor


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kennels. The size also includes surface parking for approximately 200 cars and space for the

3,200 SF Animal Control building. This is based on a relatively flat, rectangular site of

approximately 700 wide by 450 deep. If the site is an odd shape or has extensive slope,

additional space may be required. It has been indicated that finding a 7 acre site will be

difficult and perhaps 4 acres would be easier to find. If a parking garage were used to stack

cars, it would reduce the size required for the site down to 5.5 to 6 acres.

B. Design Concept

The new BARCS animal sheltering facility should include nine primary functions in one

building: (1) Public reception and sales of pet supplies. (2) Administrative areas including

private offices. (3) Public education provisions such as classroom/meeting room. (4) Animalreceiving, including examinations and grooming. (5) Animal kennels for strays and

adoptions. (6) Animal kennels for quarantine, isolation and observation. (8) Support spaces

such as laundry, kitchens, food storage, grooming and cleaning equipment. (9) Clinic for

shelter animal care, emergencies, spay/neuter and a euthanasia space.

An example of a welcoming new animal shelter by Shelter Planners of America of about the size needed by BARCS.

The new shelter for BARCS should be built with low-maintenance, heavy-duty materials. The

interior should be brightly lighted and open with pleasing colors and pleasant public spaces.

Animal holding areas should provide as much health protection, safety and comfort as

possible with todays new materials and designs.


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For the new BARCS structure we recommend a one story building. The structure would be a

slab on grade, with masonry and framed walls and truss roof. The exterior should avoid an

institutional look, preferring a human scale and welcoming feel. It should be compatible with

other nearby structures and be attractive and inviting to the public. Abundant natural lighting

should be provided to all animal holding areas and staffed areas.

Attractive landscaping will be very important to the successful appearance of the new

building. We recommend that an extensive landscaping plan, be a part of the building

program. This landscaping and burming is critically important for the Courtyard Kennel area

to help in deflecting and absorbing barking noise.


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C. Interior Features

Shelters built in the past did not have the advantage of using many of the new innovative

materials and equipment available only in recent years. Animal shelters of today are no

longer just warehouse structures with cages lined down the walls.

Shelters are very specialized buildings which are more like hospitals and shopping malls than

warehouses in construction.

A high level of quality is needed if the facility is to be able to keep animals healthy and to hold

up under heavy wear. This is especially important for a shelter such as BARCS that is

striving to present an attractive, welcoming image to the public.

An attractive, quiet front lobby is important in new shelters. Thisimproves customer satisfaction and increases adoptions.

The goal is to make the shelter a place where employees feel positive and the public enjoys

visiting for pet adoption, pet retrieval, pet owner education and other animal services. Most

importantly, the shelter must house animals in the healthiest, least stressful manner possible.

Today, modern shelters are designed to include central washing equipment, central animal

watering systems, individual kennel floor drains, 100% outside air with heat exchangers for

economy, heated kennel floors, noise control systems and long-lasting, easily disinfected

wall and floor finishes.


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This special equipment will be discussed with the ownersto determine which items are

desired in the new facility. Additionally, guidance will be provided as to performance and

price levels of different equipment to help the owner make the wisest decisions. (Following

recommended equipment items pictured):

Central pressure washing equipment allows the animal areas to be cleaned anddisinfected in one very rapid process.


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The special trowel on kennel floor finish comes in an

attractive array of earth tone colors to make kennelscheerful and bright . It also halts bacteria growth.

Shelter Planners of America uses special Guillotine doorsthat prevent loss of heated or cooled air from the kennel.


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Each animal Kennel is equipped with an automatic waterer so that animalsalways have fresh water available with no staff time required refill ing bowls.

At tract ive Kennels with bright l ight ing levels, germicidalfloor finishes and sound absorbing ceilings make quiet,

inviting public spaces.


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These new style cat cages have individual litter boxcompartments and positive air exhaust from each cage.

The Shelter will have a professional grooming tub that animals can bewalked into through a swinging door.

There are a number of critical design considerations which must be incorporated into the new

BARCS building in order for it to be a success. These concerns include: How animals are

housed and received, how the building is cleaned and disinfected, how heat, cooling,

ventilation and air exchange are provided, and how public circulation and work traffic patterns

are organized. Some specific decisions that must be addressed by BARCS:


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1. Kennel Layout BARCS plans to utilize indoor/outdoor kennels. The indoor portion of

the kennel will allow the building to be comfortable in the summer and eliminate possible

overexposure of animals to cold weather. For BARCS we are recommending a Courtyard

design kennel that opens to a central courtyard for security and noise control for surrounding

neighbors.

The Courtyard designgives complete security from night time break-ins. This designalso allows animals to have access to f resh air and sunshine during the day.

2. Kennel Function- For BARCS we recommend a kennel design that will allow dogs to be

kept dry during the cleaning procedure by moving animals to the covered outside run. This

allows for efficient daily cleaning. Floors will be sloped to individual drains thereby eliminating

trench drains which are difficult to clean and cause sanitation concerns.

3. Cat Quarters- Cat community display areas can greatly increase cat adoptions.

However, cats housed together must have been health checked, neutered and vaccinatedprior to being placed together.


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This is an example of a Cat Condo area that allows severalcats to be displayed together in a playful setting.

4. Puppy areas - Puppies and small breeds are to be housed separately from the adult dogs

for disease control.

The puppy and small breed room will have individual 3 x 5

inside pens to hold lit ters of puppies or smaller adult dogs

For the BARCS Facility we recommend all puppies be housed separately from adult dogs in

floor level pens.

In the new shelter it will be important for BARCS to maintain its current policy to allow the

public to be able to view all STRAY dogs and cats as well as adoptable animals (except


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animals in strict isolation), which results in more lost animals being identified (sometimes by

a neighbor or friend) and returned to their owners.

D. Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems must be designed to provide clean, odor

free and uncontaminated air throughout all animal housing areas. This is essential to control

the spread of air borne viruses.

The new BARCS shelter HVAC system will be custom designed to provide 100% fresh air to

kennels with 12 air changes per hour. The system will be designed to provide ceiling air

supply above public walkways with a ceiling exhaust above each dog run opposite each

supply. This prevents cross contamination and helps keep return grilles from clogging with

animal hair.

Additionally, the systems will be fitted with heat exchangers to recapture energy before it is

exhausted. This helps keep utility bills as low as possible. There will also be supplemental

roof mounted exhaust fans (withseparate switches with red lights) to pull out moist air during

kennel cleaning.

Another special feature of our kennels is four or five separate smaller HVAC systems, each

to serve 20-25% of the total building. This smaller equipment is less expensive to install and

service and if a system fails, you still have 75-80% of the building heated and cooled until the

system is repaired. Animals can be doubled up until repairs are made. The administrative

areas are on a separate air system to prevent odors from entering the staff areas.

There will be warmed floors areas in the front half of each kennel and used during cooler

seasons. This warmed spot is about 3 wide by 5 long. The warmed area improves the

animals resistance to disease and allows the animal to be comfortable and quieter during the

day. The warmed floor also helps speed the floors drying after wash down.


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E. Animal Capacity

We feel BARCS should plan a facility that will handle from 11,000-13,000 dogs and cats per

year. This need is based on the number of animals presently received and allowing forprojected human population growth rates to the year 2033.

The shelter is presently averaging an 8.5 day average holding time for the approximate 4,900

dogs handled per year (with the present building capacity of 114 dog runs). Calculated at an

increased 14 day average holding period for dogs, the following will be needed:

10 jumbo runs (5x8 inside and 5x10 outside) housing 10 dogs

96 standard runs (4x8 inside and 4x10 outside) housing 96 dogs

50 quarantine runs (4x8 inside and 4x10 outside) housing 50 dogs

10 observation runs (4x8 inside and 4x10 outside) housing 10 dogs

10 isolation runs (4x8 inside and 4x10 outside) housing 10 dogs

10 strict isolation runs (4x8 inside and 4x10 outside) housing 10 dogs

8 puppy pens (3x5 indoor) housing an average of 16 dogs

All totaled, the above runs will provide a holding capacity of 194 (a 70% capacity increase)

and be able to handle about 5,100 dogs per year based on a 14 day average hold (compared

to 4,900 dogs presently handled with an 8.5 day hold). As visitation levels go up and

adoptions and returns increase, the average holding time for dogs will reduce.

BARCS quarantine numbers were very high in the past. This results in increased animal care

staff. If it has not been done since the previous study, we would suggest examining the

reasons for this large number of quarantine animals. Are dogs quarantined if they only

scratch? Only dog bites that draw blood should be quarantined. Are private owners allowed

to have their dog quarantined at the shelter at low or no cost? People have been known to

use quarantine services as cheap boarding while away on vacation. Finally, owned animals

should be required by law to be home quarantined or quarantined at the owners vet rather

than the public shelter. These measures may reduce the large quarantine requirements.


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Presently, the approximate 6,900 cats per year are handled with 102 total cat housing cages.

With this housing capacity, the average length of stay is 5.3 days (at 1 cat per cage). With

the average housing time increased to 10 days for cats, the shelter will need:

4 community cat rooms housing 8 cats each = 32 cats

2 cat condos in lobby housing 4 cats each = 8 cats

6 cat rooms housing 22 cages each = 132 cat cages

10 isolation cages

10 health observation cages

10 strict isolation cages

This provides a total cat holding of 202 (a 98% increase in holding capacity) that will handle

7,373 (at 10 day average length of stay). This combined increased capacity totals 12,473

dogs and cats at stated average length of stay.

F. Proposed Spaces & Square Footage

Following are the suggested room and spaces and square footage for a new animal shelter

designed to meet the needs of the BARCS:

SUMMARY OF AREA

InteriorSF

ExteriorSF

A. Administ rat ive 6,788

B. Foster Intake 725

C. Veterinary Clinic 6,555

D. Public Areas and Support 5,768

E. Kennel Areas (Interior) 16,644

E. Kennel Areas (Exterio r) 8,440

F. Animal Support Area 7,275

Total SF 43,755 8,440

G. Animal Contro l 3,205


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SECTION A - ADMINISTRATIVE

Room or Space

Quantityof Roomsor peoplein a group

office

SF ofEach

Total SFAdjacent

to orNear

Equipment /Comments

1 BARCS Executive Director 1 176 176

2 Director of Development 1 143 143

3 Director of Operations 1 143 143

4Administrative Assistant &Accountant (Group Office)

2 143 286

5 Office Manager 1 143 143

6 Program Manager 1 143 143

7Customer Service(Group Office)

10 70 700

8 Veterinarians 2 88 176

9Vet Technicians(Group Office)

4 70 280

10 Adoption Room 6 133 798Individual Stations,

See Sketch

11Behavior & EnrichmentCoordinators

4 70 280

12 Enrichment/Behavior Storage 1 100 100

13 Education 4 70 280

14Volunteer (Manager &

Assistant)(Group Office)2 70 140

15 Volunteer Check-in 1 150 150 8 Volunteer lockers

16Event Coordinator(Group Office)

2 70 140

17 Event Coordinator Storage 1 100 100

18 Animal Care Manager 1 90 90

19Rescue Coordinator(Group Office)

2 70 140

20 TNR Staff (Group Office) 2 70 140

21 Business Manager 1 143 143

22 Development (Group Office) 3 70 210

23 HR Manager 1 143 143

24 Communication Director 1 143 143

25 Vet Tech Manager 1 143 143

26 Work Room/ Copy Room 1 100 100

Subtotal: 5,430


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Net to Gross SF Factor 25%: 1,358

Departmental Gross Area: 6,788

SECTION B - FOSTER INTAKE

Room or SpaceQuantit

y ofRooms

SF ofEach Total SF

Adjacentto orNear

Equipment /Comments

1 Foster Entry Lobby 1 120 120Separate

entity

2 Foster Office (Group Office) 2 70 140Window to Foster

Lobby3 Foster Exam Room 1 100 100

4 Foster Vet Office 1 120 120

5 Foster Storage 1 100 100

Subtotal: 580

Net to Gross SF Factor 25%: 145

Departmental Gross Area: 725


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SECTION C - VETERINARY CLINIC

Room or Space

Quantity

ofRooms SF ofEach TotalSF Adjacentto or Near Equipment /Comments

1 Public Lobby / Intake 1 180 180

Separateentrance for dogsand cats - shared

counter

2 Shelter Cat Holding 2 350 700space for 20

cages plus spacefor 40 cat traps

3 Shelter Dog Holding 2 355 710 25 cages

4 Public Cat Holding 2 230 460 20 cages

5 Public Dog Holding 2 355 710 25 cages6 Surgery 1 720 720

2 tables each = 6tables

7 Prep Room 1 360 360 6 prep tables

8 Medical Storage 1 100 100

9 Shelter Dog Recovery 1 136 1368 animals onmatts on floor

10 Shelter Cat Recovery 1 136 1368 animals onmatts on floor

11 Public Cat Recovery 1 136 136

8 animals on

matts on floor

12 Public Dog Recovery 1 136 1368 animals onmatts on floor

13Registered Vet Tech. Office(Group Office)

2 80 160 6 lockers

14 Veterinarian Offices 2 120 240

15 Laundry 1 120 1201 Commercial

Washer & Dryer

16 X-ray room 1 120 120

17 Clean up 1 120 120

Subtotal: 5,244

Net to Gross SF Factor 25%: 1,311

Departmental Gross Area:6,555


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SECTION D - PUBLIC AREAS AND SUPPORT

Room or Space Quantityof Rooms

SF ofEach

TotalSF

Adjacent toor Near

Equipment /Comments

1 Lobby/Front Office(4-6 staff at counter) 1 300 300

2 Sale/Retail 1 120 120

3 Public Drop-off Lobby 1 252 252

separate doorsfor dogs and cats

but sharedcounter

4 Large Meeting Room 1 352 352

5 Obedience Training 1 910 910

6 Meeting room 1 180 180

7 Classroom/Conference 1 672 672

8 Staff Lounge 1 252 2529 Staff Exercise Room 1 252 252

10 Employee Lockers 1 180 180 26 Lockers

11 Toilets & Shower 2 230 460 Male & Female

12 Public Restrooms 2 192 384 Male & Female

13 File Room 2 100 200

14 Data/Phone 1 100 100

Subtotal: 4,614

Net to Gross SF Factor 25%:1,154



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SECTION E - ANIMAL KENNEL AREAS

INDOOR KENNELS:

Room or Space Quantityof Rooms

SF ofEach

TotalSF

Adjacentto or Near

Equipment /Comments

1Dog Jumbo Kennel(5'x8' Indoor Runs)

10 65 650See Exterior forcorresponding

exterior run

2Dog Standard Kennels(4'x8' Indoor Runs)

96 52 4992See Exterior forcorresponding

exterior run

3Dog Health ObservationKennel

(4'x8' Indoor Runs)

10 52 520

Viewable. SeeExterior for

correspondingexterior run

4Dog Quarantine Kennel(4'x8' Indoor Runs)

50 52 2600



2 rooms

5Dog Isolation Kennel(4'x8' Indoor Runs)

10 52 520



6Dog Strict Isolation Kennel(4'x8' Indoor Runs)

10 52 520Viewable. SeeExterior forcorresponding

exterior run

7 Temperament Testing 1 192 192

8Puppies(8 pens - 3'x5') - twocompartments each

8 75 600

One room with 3pens

One room with 5pens

9Cat Condo Rooms in Lobby(4 cats each)

2 30 60

10 Cat Community Rooms(8 cats each) 4 143 572

11Cat Room(132 Cages)

1 864 864

Island style withindividual

exhausts, twocompartmentalcages with port

holesSix rooms with 22

cages eachSink in each room


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12Cat Isolation non-viewable(10 cages)

1 135 135

13Cat Health Observation(10 cages)

1 135 135

14Cat Isolation Viewable

(10 cages)1 135 135

15Small Mammals(4 cages, 2 bird cage, 4tanks)

1 140 140

16Reptile/Wildlife(10 cages, 8 tanks)

1 140 140

17TNR Cat holding(40 cats in traps)

1 420 420

18 TNR Supply Room 1 120 120

Subtotal:13,315

Net to Gross SF Factor25%:

3,329



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EXTERIOR KENNEL AREAS:

1

Dog Jumbo Kennel(5'x10' Outdoor Runs) 10 50 500

2Dog Standard Kennel(4'x10' Outdoor Runs) 96 40 3,840

3

Dog Health ObservationKennel(4'x10') 10 40 400

4

Dog Quarantine Kennel(4'x10') 50 40 2,000

5

Dog Isolation Kennel(4'x10') 10 40 400

6Puppy Play Sun Porch

2 150 300

7 Cat Community Sun Porch 4 110 440

8

Sun Porch/Get AcquaintedSpace 1 160 160

9Livestock Barn

1 400 400

Subtotal: 8,440




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SECTION F - ANIMAL SUPPORT AREA:

Room or SpaceQuantity

of

Rooms

SF of

Each

Total

SF

Adjacentto or

Near

Equipment /

Comments1

Cleaning Equipment &Storage

6 64 384

2 Dog Kitchen 1 140 140

3Dog Food Storage (metal

lined)1 216 216

4 Cat Kitchen 1 120 120

5Cat Food Storage & Litter

(metal lined)1 120 120

6 Adoption Interview rooms 4 72 288

7 Dog Get Acquainted 4 99 396

8 Cat Get Acquainted 4 80 320

9Dog Receiving &

Treatment (10 Pens)1 340 340

Adjacent toPublic Drop-

Off Lobby

10Cat Receiving &

Treatment (12 Cages)1 168 168

Adjacent toPublic Drop-

Off Lobby

11Commercial Laundry (2

washers/2dryers)2 180 360

2 Washers and2 Dryers each

room

12 Grooming with Tub 1 140 140

13 Walk-in Freezer 1 200 200

14 Euthanasia (w/safe) 1 224 224Small Chest

Freezer

15 General Storage 1 600 600

16Workshop &Maintenance

1 100 100

17 Mechanical Equipment 5 120 600

18 Exam Room 2 100 200

19Trap Storage RoomSupply (60 Traps)

1 120 120

20 Garage (2 Vans) 1 784 784Extra tall for

Adoption VanSubtotal: 5,820

Net to Gross SF Factor25%:

1,455

Departmental GrossArea: 7,275


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SECTION G - ANIMAL CONTROL

Room or Space

Quantity

ofRooms

SF of

Each

Total

SF

Adjacent

to or Near

Equipment /

Comments

1 Director of Animal Control 1 154 154

2 Hearing Officer 1 77 77

3 Bite Case Coordinator 1 77 77

4Enforcement Officer Supervisors(Group Office)

4 70 280

5Office Assistants(Group Office)

3 70 210

6 Officers (Group Office) 6 7 42

7 Meeting/Hearing Room 1 280 280

8 File Storage 1 100 100

9 Locker Room 1 100 100 20 Lockers

10 Toilets/Shower 2 230 460 Male & Female

11 Garage (2 trucks) 1 784 784

Subtotal: 2,564




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G. Preliminary Estimated Construction Budget for New Shelter

Following are construction estimates for a new shelter facility - approximately 45,079 total

enclosed square footage, including Animal Control, plus 7,840 square feet exterior runs.These estimates are based on Baltimore in 2014.

SF

A. Administrative areas 6,788

B. Foster Intake 725

C. Veterinary Clinic 6,555

D. Public Areas Support 5,768

E. Kennel Areas (Interior) 16,644

F. Animal Support Areas 7,275

G. Animal Control 3,205

46,960 SF x $250/SF = $11,740,000

H. Kennel Areas (Exterior) 8,440 SF x $180/SF = 1,519,200

Building Cost Sub-Total $13,259,200

Site Work & Parking - 10% 1,325,920

Total Construction Cost $14,585,120

Soft Costs 20% 2,917,024

AE Fees, Civil Engineering, Surveying, Soil Tests,

Construction Materials Testing, Air Balancing, Furnishing,

Loose Equipment, Computers and Phone System, etc.

Contingency 5% 875,107

Estimated Total Project Cost $18,377,251*

(*Does not include land)


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V. Summary and Recommendations

BARCS is faced with needing to move to a new location to make way for future development

of their existing site.

The present facility was constructed in 1985. The animal kennels are not the best design nor

in the best condition. The present adoption rate of 71% is good with the help of local rescue

groups. The return to owner rate at 4% is below national averages and additional efforts

should be make to improve this figure.

Staff is making every effort to maintain and operate the shelter in the best way possibly. They

should be congratulated for a job well done with current facilities.

The future challenge for BARCS is to continue expanding public education, improving

responsible pet ownership, preventative programs including spay/neuter, increasing animal

adoptions and increasing the return of lost dogs and cats to their owners.

The adoption figure can be improved with a new shelter with higher visitation levels. Also,

pleasant kennels for viewing the animals, more staff to work with prospective adopters, more

advertising and publicity, web-site postings of lost animal photos and adoptable pet photos

and extended evening and weekend hours will all help build adoptions and returns to owners.

This contemporary shelter design could be a desirable exteriorappearance for the new BARCS. It is warm and welcoming

without being industrial looking.

To determine the size of the proposed building we have included all of the spaces normally

needed for a shelter of this size. We feel a new building of approximately 55,400 square feet


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including outdoor kennels and Animal Control will be needed to replace and improve the

present shelter which is approximately 22,000 square feet not counting the trailer houses and

portable building. Nationally, most new shelters are sized between 3 and 5 square feet per

animal handled per year as a way to project the facility overall size. The building program we

are suggesting is within this range.

High visibility of the facility is the one physical qualification that has the most impact on a

shelters ability to increase visitors and therefore adoptions and returns to owners. We urge

that any site selected have high visibility to the public and be located with easy access from

adjacent highways.

Animal shelter construction today is quite different from how these buildings were completed

just a decade ago. Much more attention is given to a healthy and comfortable environment

for the animals being housed and displayed to the public.

New Generation animal shelters as designed by Shelter Planners of America are

specialized structures that include disease control provisions, special air handling systems,

specialized floor drainage, plumbing designs and well-designed long-lasting kenneling

equipment. Very importantly, the new building should be attractive and enjoyable to visit

without being extravagant or gold plated.

A well-designed new shelter is no longer a bare warehouse structure with chain link cages

that may have been considered acceptable even a few years ago.


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Typical indoor/outdoor dog kennels. The outsidekennel portion faces an attractive park like Courtyard.

The new building should be planned to be expandable and built of long-lasting, easy to

maintain materials. The design should include the latest in equipment and finishes to allow it

to be easily cleaned and disinfected for the health and safety of the animals. There should be

special sound control materials used in the design to keep the building quiet inside and to

keep noise from disturbing surrounding neighbors.

The planned new shelter will provide attractive new condos for catsthereby helping to increase adoption levels for these deserving animals.


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With a new shelter, BARCS will be able to come much closerto its goal of finding a responsible owner for every pet.

Based on the construction of similar buildings in comparable cost areas around the country,

we estimate the new building will cost approximately $14,600,000 including built-in

equipment costs and site work and parking. The total project cost is estimated to be

approximately $18,400,000.

There is a strong feeling among the general public and people who support humanely run

shelters that new animal shelters need to be designed to address irresponsible animal

ownership problems and irresponsible pet breeding. It is felt these problems should be

countered with remedial programs of spay and neuter requirements, pet owner and public

education, developing progressive ordinances and well promoted adoption programs. This

approach is preferable to simply allowing the destruction of animals as a response to the

problem of pet over population and irresponsible pet owners.

The planning and design of the building is a key element in whether the shelter will be able to

succeed in this goal. If the building is visible to the public, attractive and convenient for the

public to visit, it will encourage visitors and increase adoptions and returns of lost animals.

If the building is designed to keep the animals healthy and comfortable and displayed in an

attractive manner, it will mean increased adoptions and a public that will support and be


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proud of BARCS. Shelter Planners of America recommends we be commissioned to provide

an evaluation of any proposed site being seriously considered for the new shelter.

Once this Study has been reviewed and any desired revisions made and a site selected, we

will be able to proceed, with Conceptual Design of the Site Plan and Floor Plan of the

building based on the recommendations in this Study.

barcs needs assessment study 8-15-14

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