The Greeneville-Greene County Humane Society’s Adoption Center has settled into their new shelter at 400 North Rufe Taylor Road and are open as of this afternoon. Radio Greeneville News got the chance to visit and tour the new facility.
The facilities new hours are 12-4 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Before this new location the Humane Society was located on Hal Henard Road for over 40 years. Director Amy Bowman said it was a dream for the staff to create this new facility and they had outgrown the old one. She said they have a local Architect David Wright and General Contractor Jeff Idell, who helped bring the new shelter to life with the help of an interior designer. The new building was built to last over the next 60-80 years.
Construction started on the new facility in February 2022 and officially finished December 15th. Staff has been working hard to transition to the new shelter. Bowman and staff really wanted to make the new shelter more of a happy place and felt brightening up the space would make it a better experience and atmosphere, as that’s not always the impression you get when at these type of facilities. A lot of furniture was donated from supporters of the Society.
Currently there are 65 animals at the new shelter due to the transition. Their donation process remains the same and all are welcome to donate dog and cat food, cleaning supplies, and more. It’s a no kill shelter and anyone looking to bring in an animal should call ahead so a time can be scheduled. There is no maximum capacity for the amount of animals they can receive, but Bowman said that’s based on if the space allows, which can change on a day-to-day basis. They want the animals to be as stress free as possible. Which is why they keep dogs on the opposite side of the facility away from the cats.
There are two cat rooms, and there will be an outdoor patio soon, which they call “catios.” They are still waiting on serenity sweet cages for the cats, at which point they will start accepting more, but there is also a special needs room for cats as they accept a lot of hospice cats. Bowman said it’s been easier to work in the new space and it’s more functional now and easier to clean for the staff. They also have a big back yard with a walking area; it includes a play yard for the dogs and a pavilion to hang out.
A grand opening celebration is to be planned and will be announced at a later date.