Welcome to our New Home!
305 Hwy YZ, Dodgeville
Information About The Building
13,000 square feet
Large, separate storage building
It is a “blank slate” – LOTS of potential, LOTS of renovation
over next few months to set up
Benefits Of The Move
Double our current space.
- This does not mean we will double our capacity! We need more space to house the current number of animals in a healthier environment. Currently, we house cats everywhere in the building – literally! The cats are crowded into hallways, the laundry room and the reception area.
- Financially, we can only support our current levels
Fewer health problems with the animals.
- Kennels too close together today
- No proper quarantine area
- Stress-reducing animal housing
- Better disease control
Have been limited in ability to set up current facility as a shelter. More options and flexibility in new location
- No wood paneling and other interior materials that are hard to clean and retain smells. Again, current facility presents lots of challenges to the animals’ health
Can designate space for vet exams and minor surgeries
- Increased access – larger parking lot, handicapped access
- Space for more one-on-one work with animals, socialization and training
- Storage building could include indoor exercise yard and bad weather dog kennels (for use while cleaning indoor kennels)
- Room for more educational offerings, volunteer and community programs
- Did we mention more space?!
Common Questions
Why is the humane society moving?
For many years, a long time ICHS supporter has very generously donated the land and building to ICHS at a low rental fee. The current economic conditions have adversely affected this support and, as a result, the supporter is no longer able to continue with this generous donation. The supporter is selling the current location and has given us an eviction notice. We need to be moved to a new location by December 31 st, 2010.
I’m worried about the noise from barking dogs.
Conditional uses are being recommended. The conditions include hours when dogs can be outside and a limit on the number of external kennels and play yards. In addition, the kennel and play yard locations have been carefully planned to minimize noise. The kennels will primarily be located between the main building and a storage building to help block noises.
Will the smell be a problem?
No, we do not expect any problems with smell. Animal waste will be picked up as the dogs are being walked.
I’m worried about the appearance.
The conditional uses for the zoning include requirements for grass, landscaping, and snow maintenance. Now that the building has been rented, the appearance should improve. Someone will be regularly caring for the lawn, landscaping, etc. We can always use volunteers that would be interested in helping too!
There is a lot of traffic on YZ. What if dogs escape?
The area around the outdoor kennels will be fenced as a safeguard. Also, the play yards will be supervised at all times. In addition, we are keeping the animals completely away from the north side of the building (facing YZ).
Current Status
- Have signed lease (with option to purchase)
- Received approval from zoning commission and city council
- Working with architect from Menominee, WI who specializes in vet clinics and kennels to design the interior. Will have plans to share soon!
- Lease on our current location ends December 31 st, so we must be moved by then. Lots to do over the next 4 months!
Next Steps
Phased approach:
- Phase 1 – get us in the building (before end of December!)
- Phase 2 – set up for future (additional animal spaces, more staff and community areas, etc)
Need to raise $250,000 for Phase 1 to do renovations and purchase equipment needed. Some key items needed are:
- Plumbing
- Indoor dog kennels (40)
- Cat rooms
- Cat cages
Donations can be a one-time or monthly commitment.
We need your suggestions and help to raise the money!
We are looking at this as our long-term location/home. Although the renovations seem large, it is much less expensive than building new. A new building alone would be $1M or more, without the cost of land. This is our opportunity to set up a much better space for the animals as well as a more efficient, effective space for us to work in!
What We Will Need Soon
Your skills and time – we will be doing as much of the work ourselves as we can!
Please let us know how you can help - skills you have or work you would like to do, and the best way to reach you (phone or email). Some areas we will need help with very soon are: 
- Cleaning
- Landscaping
- Mowing
- Painting
- Installing fence and outdoor kennels
- Lots more… more details soon!
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