Crews are installing two new large portable buildings at the King County Animal Shelter in Kent, essentially doubling the space that will be made available for homeless cats.

The plans for the new space include room for new large cat cages, as well as cat communal rooms, where cats can get out of their cages to exercise, play, socialize with each other, and be seen by potential adopters. New staff offices, volunteer rooms, and “get acquainted” rooms for adopters will be constructed as well.

“It is our hope to have a grand opening celebration in December, however we hope to have cats and staff using the new building before then,” said Acting Shelter Director Wendy Keller. “This new space lets us provide a more comfortable space for the cats, which means they will be healthier and happier, making it easier to help them find their forever home and decrease the amount of time they spend in the shelter.”

The second new portable building will house PIMA Medical Institute’s Veterinary Technical Program. Students will assist shelter staff in their medical rounds as they pursue their veterinary education and receive hands-on experience with animal care, treatment and handling in a shelter setting.

Installation of the new cat building has been paid for by dedicated resources King County Executive Ron Sims secured earlier in the year, combined with King County’s ability to negotiate a sharply discounted rate for the new space. PIMA Medical Institute is paying for their new on-site building; both of the portable facilities are being installed at the same time to save on construction costs.