This year marks the 140th year that the East Bay SPCA has been the safety net for animals in our area. As one of the longest-standing SPCAs in the country, we have seen many changes over our rich history and we are excited for our future with the completion of our $9 million renovation and expansion project at our Oakland campus.
Background: In 2008, the number of animals entering East Bay shelters jumped 30 percent and did not decline. By 2012, our shelter was bursting at the seams. Similarly, our full-service veterinary clinic and medical staff also experienced the increased volume of shelter pets and public animals needing care. After five years of not slowing down, the needs of our community convinced us that it was time to expand so we could continue to meet them.
We broke ground in early 2012 and will continue building until April 2014. The first two phases have been completed and include a brand new cat/kitten adoption center, humane education and training center, and state-of-the-art, full-service Veterinary Clinic.
Theodore B. Travers Family Veterinary Clinic
East Bay SPCA is one of the few nonprofit animal welfare organizations in the country offering full-service veterinary services to the public. The Theodore B. Travers Family Veterinary Clinic opened in 2013 and replaces the outdated clinic we have operated since 1956.
Last year alone, our veterinary clinic saw an average of 2,065 animals per month, vaccinating nearly 350 weekly. The new clinic will allow us to perform even more life-saving procedures and practice preventative medicine for our shelter animals and for those owned by members of the public.
The 5,000-square-foot clinic includes:
- Six examination rooms
- State-of-the art surgical suites and equipment
- A lobby with separate entrances and waiting areas for dogs and cats
- Separate recovery and holding areas for sick and injured animals
- Pharmacy, digital X-ray room, ultrasound, and dental suites
New Cat and Kitten Adoption Wing
Our new cat and kitten adoption area features three large cat colony rooms and more spacious, comfortable condos for cats. Efficient airflow and isolation capacity coupled with custom-built condos and community rooms will help limit the spread of contagious diseases. Creating a separate wing for cats also reduces their stress by allowing for visual and auditory separation from dogs.
New Humane Education and Dog Training Center
One of the most exciting parts of our expansion is bringing our popular Humane Education programs to kids and families in Oakland and the surrounding areas. Currently, programs like Animal Camp, Volunteer Youth Club, and other services have been limited to our Dublin Adoption and Education Center. With the addition of two large classrooms, a conference room, and administrative space we can now offer the same great programming in Oakland that teaches compassion, fosters curiosity, and promotes critical thinking.
The new space also allows us to present high-quality, affordable dog training classes to the public. With a dozen different courses to choose from (beginner to advanced), clients and their dogs can now enjoy a more spacious learning environment.
Coming in 2014
In April we will open our newly-renovated Adoption Center, completing the final phase of our building project. This last piece will unveil the renovated adoption hall dedicated to dogs and puppies. It features healthier habitats and pleasant viewing and visiting areas for the public.
In the back of the house, we will have increased holding space for both cats and dogs and additional isolation space for animals with contagious but treatable diseases. A completely new air filtration system, plus new kennels and holding rooms will ensure both comfort and health for the animals in our care.
2014 is an exciting year. Completion of this renovation positions us to continue providing and growing our life-saving work into the coming decades. We warmly invite you come visit us soon!
To learn more about the renovation of EBSPCA, please contact Krista Jordan at 510-563-4605 or email her at kjordan@eastbayspca.org.
Allison Lindquist is President and CEO of East Bay SPCA. Visit eastbayspca.org for more information about her and the organization.
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Main article photo by: Courtesy East Bay SPCA
