Correction: Nov. 14. The time listed for the groundbreaking was incorrect. The event will be happening at 1 p.m.  

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Animal Outreach will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new shelter facility at 1 p.m. Monday on Randolph Road Northeast, marking a milestone in the organization’s mission to provide improved care for animals in the community. With a projected cost of $2.5 million, the new facility is set to address the growing needs of the area’s sheltered pets, especially following the surge in animal intake during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This shelter will serve all of Grant County, not just Moses Lake, with the exception of Quincy, which has its own shelter,” stated Moses Lake City Administrator Rob Karlinsey.

He emphasized the immediate necessity for the project, noting, “The current shelter has outlived its useful life, is in a state of disrepair, and is operating at more than double its capacity.”

According to GCAO board president Sara Thompson Tweedy, the plans for the new building have been in development since 2023, dealing with a series of “starts and stops” along the way.

“When I became involved in GCAO in 2021, there was seed funding for a new shelter, as well as land that was donated,” she said. “Thanks to the community’s generosity, we had a head start when we started seeking additional sources of funding.”

The funding for the project includes a $1 million contribution from both the city of Moses Lake and Grant County, as well as a $250,000 allocation facilitated by a collaborative effort from state legislators, including Sen. Judy Warnick and Reps. Tom Dent and Alex Ybarra. A significant donation of $500,000 from the Paul Lauzier Foundation also played a critical role in bringing the project to fruition.

The new facility, featuring approximately 6,200 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, is designed with the welfare of animals in mind. It will accommodate up to 120 dogs and will include specialized areas for food preparation, laundry, and isolation for new arrivals.

Cats will also receive dedicated areas for comfort and care, comprising rooms with capacity for multiple cats in separate spaces.

Thompson Tweedy highlighted the importance of these features, stating, “Animals must be isolated when they first enter the shelter, so there will be 10-20 isolation kennels.”

Once construction begins, it is estimated to take eight to ten months to complete, placing the target opening around August of next year.

“CAD Homes is building the shelter at cost,” Karlinsey said.

Challenges have persisted, especially the strain on resources following the pandemic, which saw a surge in the number of animals entering shelters.

“We’re still seeing a lot of dogs and cats coming into the shelter,” said Thompson Tweedy, “but other factors have lessened the strain.”

Fundraising efforts will continue to be vital in sustaining operations as the shelter evolves.

The current shelter, which is over 50 years old, has faced persistent issues with cramped conditions.

“The staff has had to run hoses all over the place to get water for cleaning,” Thompson Tweedy said, underscoring the inefficiencies that hinder the care provided to the animals.

The new facility is expected to contain industrial appliances that will significantly enhance daily operations. “We’ll have industrial washer and dryers, whereas right now we have household appliances that can’t handle the workload,” she said, emphasizing the need for better facilities to support both staff and animals.

Thompson Tweedy said this project couldn’t have been done without the continuous community support.

“When this project is said and done, it will be a true example of how the entire community came together — local businesses and individuals, as well as public and private entities — to address a true need. We can be proud of what is being accomplished,” she said.

Both Karlinsey and Thompson Tweedy expressed their eagerness for the new facility, envisioning a future where the resources available can improve the welfare of the animals GCAO serves.

“This is not just about building a shelter; it’s about creating a supportive community for our animals,” Thompson Tweedy said.

    Grant County Animal Outreach Manager Cyndle Miller gives long-term resident Zeus a hug. He may make a grand appearance at the Grant County Animal Outreach groundbreaking.
  

    Grant County Animal Outreach Assistant Manager Serena Jewell laughs as Sammy gives her attitude. Sammy has since been adopted.