Cape animal shelter plans take new track
When thinking of a community, plenty comes to mind – neighbors, businesses, schools and places to congregate.
In Cape Coral, a group of volunteers is addressing a sometimes forgotten aspect, peoples’ most loyal friends, the pet population.
Pets are a part of the community and in the ever-growing Cape, the issue of homeless pets is becoming a concern. It’s an issue which a growing group of Cape Coral citizens is taking on through the vast job of planning the city’s first-ever animal shelter.
“We have up to 180,000 full-time residents in Cape Coral and we don’t have a facility where people can adopt animals or be educated about them,” said Cape Coral Animal Shelter head organizer JoAnn Elardo. “So far, we’re in a feeling-out process and meeting with a lot of different donors, catering and figuring out what they want to see.”
The project has already gained lots of traction, with the initiative to build an animal shelter in Cape Coral first started by the Gulf Coast Humane Society. The plan’s outline and foundation was laid by a GCHS committee last year, with land near Sun Splash Park obtained.
But GCHS’ board decided to move on from the plan to focus on the organization’s many other initiatives, but stand steadfastly behind the Cape Coral project.
“Although we are not 100 percent involved in it anymore, we are 100 percent behind it,” said GCHS Executive Director Jennifer Galloway. “There is a big need for a shelter in Cape Coral, so we are in full support of it.”
The committee has grown considerably with Cape Coral residents since the idea of a no-kill Cape Coral Animal Shelter was first tendered and they are moving forward with some good momentum.
The land next to Sun Splash Water Park would be rented by CCAS for 99 years at a cost of $1 per year, for which there already is a donor.
The area which would house the CCAS would be four acres, with Phase I including an adoption center, intake area, reception, small medical area, offices, play yards and a small animal grooming area.
“It will be campus-style and room for expansion, as well,” said CCAS head organizer Jacque Miloff. “Thus far, we have received nothing but positive feedback and not one negative response.”
In Phase II, the hope is to expand with a larger shelter area to house more animals, as well as a larger medical clinic and educational rooms.
The main part of the fundraising, which is ongoing, will be the capital campaign. That portion of the project will start in January.
“We do have donors who are interested in helping, but we do have a plan complete, we are just tweaking it now,” Elardo said. “Everybody has been so gracious and nice, the community has been an outpouring of support. We also want to work with all the shelters in the area and have a good relationship with them.”
CCAS’ presence has already been seen in the community, with volunteers manning booths dispersing information and publicity for the project at events such as the Farmer’s Market, Sunshine Celebration, Coconut Festival and the Veteran’s Parade.
They will continue to be present in the community, along with many donation boxes which can be found at various businesses in Cape Coral.
To learn more about the project or to volunteer or donate, contact the group at info@capecoralanimalshelter.com. The group’s website is currently under construction, but will be up and ready to go soon at www.capecoralanimalshelter.com .