In September, the GTHS reached a defining milestone in our 25-year history: breaking ground on our new animal care facility, the David and Helen Capin Regional Centre for Pets and People (RCPP). What has been our ‘next chapter’ for so many years is taking shape before our eyes. We are thrilled to share our building progress and what the future looks like in a space where dogs and cats can thrive, with improved adoption outcomes and overall well-being.
As frames and walls take form, innovations and features that support the well-being of pets in our care are embedded in every brick. You’ve heard us say it before: our animal shelter is aging, and our current capacity far exceeds what it was designed to handle. Our team is committed to providing safe, quality dog and cat care and enrichment in spaces that are often loud and at capacity. These conditions can be especially challenging for pets who are sensitive to other animals or are medically compromised. While our team cares for pets in our facility, we are reminded daily of the limitations we face.
Every room in the RCPP is thoughtfully planned to put pets first, helping them feel calmer, healthier, and safer from the moment they arrive in our care. With kennel designs that prioritize infection control and social engagement, dogs will experience kennels that are bright, open, and have decreased noise levels. Dogs will be happier and healthier in kennels that let them choose how they use their space and when to socialize, supporting their health, well-being, and adoptability. Feline spaces have similar features, including smaller shared cat rooms, with better separation between living, eating, and litter spaces. Attention to airflow helps control odors and prevent the spread of infection. It’s a mindful evolution of the work we do every day, designed to make the experience even better for pets in our care.
The construction of our new facility is on target, and recent work has transformed the site dramatically. Thanks to the incredible teams at Bertram Construction, Unity Design Studio, and Tatham Engineering, the project has stayed on track despite a harsh winter. With framing and walls in place, it’s incredible to see this dream taking shape. We are thrilled to share some recent photos of the building site, celebrating this project that we are building with you, our community, together.
This new facility is much more than a building. It sets a new standard of compassionate care for pets and people in our community. It ensures that every dog and cat will have a healthier, happier environment and a safe space to thrive until they find their loving homes. Years in the making, our vision is finally becoming a reality, and the best is yet to come.
