Paw prints: Portales animal shelter open at new location
Nov. 18—After going through months of real estate hunting and applying for grants, the city of Portales' animal shelter is open to the public once again at a new location.
The shelter announced its "big win" on Thursday through its Facebook page. Portales Community Services Director Kelly McClellan said the city has decided to repurpose the old airport and public works barn at 513 S Roosevelt Rd T Place in Portales.
McClellan said the employees and animals had just moved in as of Thursday and they are eager to start the remodeling phase of the buildings. She said the shelter wanted to ensure that all the animals were in heated and sheltered locations before New Mexico faces a potentially harsh winter.
"We're hoping for the next couple of weeks we can actually have the remodel scheduled. So we can make a larger kennel area, do some concrete outside for inside/outside kennels and add a floor drain for sanitation," McClellan said.
The hours of operation for public access will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. McClellan said they may have to change hours when the reconstruction is in process, but the shelter will inform the community ahead of time.
"We have limited room for now and so many strays. We will be focusing more on impoundment and we're not really doing surrenders. Some may be accepted, but there is no guarantee," McClellan said.
To assist with the remodeling cost and expand the potential within the new location, the shelter is hosting a rummage sale on Dec. 2 at the old City Hall Building. The event will be from 8 a.m. to noon. Proceeds will go toward the remodeling.
McClellan said for residents to receive daily updates and alerts from the shelter, they should follow the city of Portales Animal Services on Facebook. She said information on how the community can assist the transition into the new location and seek volunteer hours is through there.
Madison Willis writes about animals for The Eastern New Mexico News. To suggest a story or nominate a "Pet of the week," contact her at:
