Frequently Asked Questions

Describe the project:
AHS is building a new 11,000 square foot animal adoption and humane education center. This facility will provide a healthy, low-stress, family-friendly environment to house cats, dogs, and other animals that are ready for adoption. The design of the center will provide ample space, state-of-the-art noise and disease control, and stress-reducing animal housing. These improvements will greatly increase our adoption placements. This center will also provide space and facilities for much needed education services that support the humane treatment of animals, and will be available for use by other community groups.

Is the County building a facility?   
Buncombe County is planning to build a new animal shelter which will provide services such as animal control, stray holding, and other required government services.   Both facilities will be managed and operated by AHS, a professional humane organization with extensive experience in animal issues.    

Why do we need a new adoption center?   
The current animal shelter is dramatically inadequate in all functional areas, including its capacity to house animals, control the spread of disease, or provide a low-stress environment for optimal animal health and welfare.  The building was built in the 1950’s as a vehicle maintenance garage.  It now contains exposed electrical wiring, a badly leaking roof, broken and exposed concrete, severe termite damage, and is far too small and dangerous for the employees, the public it serves, and the animals it houses.  Currently animal services are being provided out of three buildings, one of which is over ten miles from the shelter.

Where will the building be located?   
At the intersection of Brevard Road (NC 191) and Pond Road , just south of the Farmer's Market.  This is a centralized location with easy access to all interstate highways.  The property has been generously donated to AHS by Deal Motor Cars of Asheville.

When will construction began?     Fall 2007

When will it be completed?    Summer 2009

How much will it cost and how will it be paid for?   
Total cost of the Adoption and Education Center project is $3 million.  Although we have nearly met the original goal of $2.5 million dollars, after two years of planning delays, construction costs have gone up and the reality is that the project cost will be closer to $3 million. It will be financed by private donations.

Who is building the Adoption and Education Center?    RPF Construction

How has the building design been developed? 
AHS consulted with nationally recognized architects experienced in building animal shelters and adoption centers, and a team of employees and volunteers toured newly built animal shelters in the region.   The resulting design recommendations will meet the needs of Buncombe County for the next 50 years. Features included in the planning are state-of-the-art disease prevention and noise abatement structures, which will provide a decent, safe atmosphere for the public, staff, and animals.

Who is directing this project?   
Asheville Humane Society, a (501c3) non-profit agency, has been providing animal related services to the citizens of Buncombe County for over 20 years. The AHS mission statement reads:  Asheville Humane Society is dedicated to the respectful, humane treatment of animals and to providing education and adoption services to the community.

Who is involved in making this project happen?   
Asheville Humane Society supplemented by a stellar steering committee of community leaders, including Joe and Janice Brumit and Deal MotorCars of Asheville.  The project is also supported by individuals such as architect Robert Griffin, and celebrity spokespersons Andie MacDowell and Brad Daugherty. AHS and Buncombe County are working in partnership to create an animal services facility that will serve our community well.

Does the project have support of other animal organizations?   
Yes. AHS has received letters of support from many local animal organizations who are aware of the desperate need for a new animal adoption facility in our community. 

What are the benefits of a new animal services facility?

For Animals: The facility will provide adequate and appropriate animal holding and handling areas resulting in less stress, fewer behavior problems & more adoptable animals; reduced noise, odors, overcrowding, and congestion; and a reduction in euthanasia caused by the spread of disease and overcrowded conditions.

For the Community: The facility will provide a welcoming atmosphere with enhanced adoption services including behavior assessment, education, low-cost shot clinics and post-adoption support aimed at achieving permanent placements.

How many animals come to the shelter each year?   
In fiscal year 2007 (July 1 2006 – June 30, 2007) 8,145 animals were received. This number includes stray animals, animals turned in by owners including complete litters, aggressive feral animals, and animals seized in cruelty cases.

How many animals are adopted each year?   
The number of adoptions has increased in recent years, and we consider this increase to be a critical measure of success. Last year, AHS transferred or adopted 2,004 animals into new homes. In addition, 993 stray animals were reclaimed from the shelter by their owners; additionally, those that are tagged or microchipped are returned immediately to their owners without entering our system. We anticipate with a centrally located, modern, inviting adoption center and shelter, adoptions and reclaims will increase.

Why do we have an animal overpopulation in Buncombe County?   
This is not a problem unique to Buncombe County .  Communities nationwide are working on ways to decrease the numbers of unwanted companion animals.   In our community, many animals are not spayed or neutered, and many animals are abandoned.  With the passage of the Spay/Neuter Ordinance in Buncombe County and the City of Asheville, we now have a way to address this problem.

How can people help?
To make a donation to the capital campaign, please contact:

Asheville Humane Society
81 Thompson St.
Asheville , NC 28803
828.236.3886 
www.ashevillehumane.org