By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]
Humboldt, IA – Humboldt’s new animal shelter is nearly complete and looking to open in the near future.
The Moffit Animal Shelter in Humboldt is in the final stages of preparing to open. Member of the Animal Control Board and Veterinarian Dr. Erin Kramer talks about the new shelter with KHBT.
She talks about the general specs of the building. Dr. Kramer says the building is approximately 30 feet by 50 feet of indoor space. Currently the building has about fifteen cat kennel spaces to be used. There are nine dog runs that are three feet by seven feet in physical space. There is also an outdoor area for dogs that is covered in case of rain or snow.
Additionally the building has plenty to accommodate the needs of a shelter. Dr. Kramer says the shelter also has a very large grooming tub that is suitable for large and small dogs. They also received “wonderful donation” of washers and driers. There is a fridge in the back as well. “Everything’s nice and clean and white” Dr. Kramer says and also easy to disinfect. She says they are “very excited” to get everything up and running because it’s “definitely a big need in Humboldt.”
Dr. Kramer says when the board first started planning the shelter they weren’t sure of finances and thus were planning for something much smaller. Then they received a very generous donation from Humboldt Native Mary Moffit. The veterinarian says it was easy to tell Moffit was an animal lover. “When Mary came through with her donation we knew that we could house more animals and we could take care of more animals.” Once the animal shelter received the donation they shifted their plans from a small “holding facility” to an actual shelter to help animals find a new home.
At this time there is no set date on when the new shelter will open for full capacity. The board is looking to hire a part time executive director to help manage the shelter and volunteers. Dr. Kramer says once that position is filled with the “right person” they will move forward for a complete open.
There will be an open house for the Moffit Animal Shelter on Saturday, Nov. 7. The doors will open at 9 am until about 1 pm. There will be refreshments available along with some giveaways. The public is welcomed to stop in and see the new facility for themselves during this time. The shelter will be excepting donations of supplies at this time as well as there will be members of the Humboldt High School Student Senate excepting donations out in front of the local Hy-Vee and Fareway.
Dr. Erin Kramer and the entire board thank all of their donors for helping make the Moffit Animal Shelter possible.