‘Exactly what they need’: St. Thomas takes wraps off new Animal Services Centre

The City of St. Thomas has unveiled its new animal shelter to deal with an increasing number of calls. CTV’s Bryan Bicknell reports.

The City of St. Thomas has taken the wraps off its new municipal Animal Services Centre.

Volunteers and animal advocates say it comes as existing animal shelters in the city burst at the seams.

“I’ve been part of the shelter off and on for 30 years. To see this finally, even though we needed it back then, we need this today in a way we couldn’t have possibly imagine we needed it,” explained long-time volunteer Melinda Whitehead.

She was part of the centre’s official ribbon cutting and VIP tour Thursday. Also taking in the event, volunteers Anne Vanderkuyl and Breanna Stead.

“It’s just more entertaining, more stimulating, more everything for them. It’s just really exactly what they need, what we need,” said Stead.

“It’s very dignified,” added Vanderkuyl.

The new centre is located near the southern edge of the city, at Southdale Line and Bill Martyn Parkway. At 5,600 square feet, it has 20 dog runs and 42 cat cages, plus flex space for kittens and puppies. It also has ample outdoor exercise space.

Animal Services Coordinator Laura Keates says it couldn’t come at a more crucial time.

“Especially post-COVID,” said Keats. “All those animals that were bred and purchased while everybody was working from home. Now all of a sudden people are back in the workspace and they don’t have time in their lives for the animals. And as well, the community, the economy, so they have to give up their pets just to feed themselves.”

The cost of the facility came in at just over $4 million and was aided in part by a $1 million donation from local businesswoman Sara Teare.

“It ended up being more costly than we hoped it would be, but it is just gorgeous,” said Mayor Joe Preston.

“As a pet lover myself, this is the type of place you’d love your pet to end up if you came to pick it up after it got away one day,” he added.

An opening date is still to be determined.