By Geena Monahan
For the North Star Reporter
A revamping of North Attleborough’s Animal Shelter has been in the works for over two years with the goal of providing a clean, spacious residence to improve the lives of the animals until they can find “forever homes.”
Animal Control Officer Andrew Dubois spoke with the North Star Reporter about recent updates to the shelter, the positive effect it has had on the animals and employees, and plans for the future.
Renovations to the dog kennels were made possible by North Attleborough’s FY2023 Animal Control Architectural Site Plan Capital Improvement Project. Two dog runs were added to the kennels, measuring 100 feet by 15 feet, and allow the dogs unlimited access to the outdoors during the day, choosing if and when they want to come inside for shelter.
Cement flooring was replaced and new six-foot high chain-link fences were built around and within the facility, creating an additional outdoor paved area where dogs can be exercised and trained. The drainage system was also expanded, allowing for ease in keeping the kennels clean, hygienic and free of smell.
“Previously, the dogs would be either in an indoor kennel or an outdoor 8-by-10 space, but that was it,” said Dubois. “They had no space to roam. Today, they can zoom up and down, come in or out, wherever they want to go. It gives them more exercise, along with the walking they get from volunteers.”
Town Manager Michael Borg commented on the project, which was funded through free cash instead of borrowing, which allowed interest costs to be eliminated. While the project was estimated to cost $225,000, it has come in so far just under $218,000.
“The Animal Shelter Capital Improvement Project reflects our Town Council’s commitment to enhancing and maintaining our infrastructure while prioritizing fiscal responsibility,” said Borg. “We are very pleased with the results of this project and encourage community members to visit the shelter to see the upgrades for themselves and potentially find a new furry friend to bring home.”
A makeover to the cat room was also completed, made possible by fundraising from the Friends of North Attleboro Animal Shelter and a donation from Patriot Subaru. What was once a room where cats were housed separately in cages has been transformed into a free-roaming space for the cats to enjoy.
The walls were freshly painted and lined with climbing structures to create a vertical cat wall, with enough room for nine cats to safely enjoy in accordance with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ standards on square footage needed per animal.
Stephanie Mitchell, who has worked at the shelter since May 2024, said the difference she has seen in the behavior and overall well-being of the cats is remarkable.
“The animals are a lot more calm and easier to care for,” said Mitchell. “We have some cats in here that when I first started you couldn’t get near, and now, since we’ve depopulated a bit and gotten everyone into calmer rooms, there are three cats who were previously feral that will come up to us and let us pet them.”
Dubois credits his team of hardworking employees who handle the daily care of the animals as to why the shelter is run efficiently and smoothly, allowing him to focus on calls for service, scheduling transports, writing grants and planning for future fiscal years.
“We have spent the last year updating the shelter’s policies and procedures, along with bringing on a full-time staff member, Stephanie Mitchell, who came from Capron Park Zoo with over 20 years of experience and spends a lot of one-on-one time with the animals,” said Dubois. “The other two kennel keepers, Donna Thomas and Patricia Cavanaugh, are critical in taking care of the animals and working with potential adopters. Leanne Kennedy is front of the house, greeting visitors and taking care of all the paperwork that comes with adoptions.”
Updates to the shelter also included all front-of-house rooms including the main office, hallways and bathrooms, ensuring a welcoming environment for visitors and potential adopters. New doors with windows for the shelter were purchased, allowing natural sunlight in and improved safety for not only the animals, but workers and volunteers who interact with them. The investment in a new animal control vehicle is also something that Dubois said has drastically improved how animals are transported and day-to-day operations
Since Dubois’ hiring last year, the shelter has helped 105 cats, 17 dogs and six birds find new homes. Dubois looks to continue improving the shelter and helping more animals in the future with the construction of a second free-roaming cat room in upcoming months.
A building on the site used for storage is slated for renovations in the upcoming years to turn it into usable space to house animals, with a garage to maintain the animal control vehicle. A grassy area will also be fenced-in in the near future to give the dogs a green space to run, train and play.
“We’re also trying to raise our dog licensing for the year,” said Dubois. “It’s not so much that we want the funding from having them licensed, but if the dogs are licensed and escape from home we’re able to return them sooner and it makes it a lot easier on everyone who finds them. Owners can register their dogs online, at the town clerk’s office or here at the shelter.”
Dubois praised the volunteers who come almost daily to walk the dogs, socialize with the cats and sort cans and bottles for redemption, something that brought in more than $10,000 last year. Donations from private citizens make a huge difference as well—a $100,000 donation over several years from Lillian Ossipoff, a North Attleborough resident who recently died, has helped to pay for a variety of renovations.
The shelter currently has two dogs and numerous cats available for adoption; their information, along with a wishlist for much needed supplies, can be found on nattleboro.com under the Animal Control & Shelter page. The shelter is also planning a rabies clinic for cats and dogs on April 5 from 9 a.m – noon at the Department of Public Works, located at 240 Smith St.
