Psychology shapes design of new Richmond animal shelter

Dogs and cats will not be socializing at the new Richmond Animal Shelter, currently under construction in south Richmond.

Eliminating tension between these natural enemies – and between predators and preys – were some of the things taken into consideration when designing the new shelter slated to open early in the new year.

Doru Lazar, senior project manager with the City of Richmond, said he learned a lot about animal psychology while working on this project.

“You learn how to reduce anxiety for the animals and create an environment where this is prioritized,” Lazar said. ”One good example is the dog kennels with dogs facing each other – it’s a no-go.”

While the dog kennels are in the same spot, they are currently being renovated and the new doors won’t allow them to see each other across the hallway.

And making sure cats aren’t transported through areas where dogs are will avoid making cats anxious, he added.

As for predators and preys, the birds and rabbits won’t be anywhere near each other either.

This animal psychology was taken into account when deciding where animals are kept, groomed and allowed outdoors.

And to ease anxiety for people who have to surrender a pet – something that can be emotionally hard for humans – a separate entrance has been created so they don’t have to go through the reception area, Lazar explained while giving the Richmond News a tour of the construction site.

In designing the new shelter, there was an emphasis on natural light and outdoor areas for the animals, Lazar said.

There will be “catios” – outdoor areas for cats to get physical exercise – as well as separate yards for aggressive and non-aggressive dogs.

The dog runs will be maintained at the front of the lot on No. 5 Road.

During construction, any Richmond animals needing shelter are being cared for at the Vancouver SPCA facility.

The Richmond Animal Shelter, previously run by RAPS but now under the management of the BC SPCA, integrated the previous 40-year-old shelter structure into the new one with a budget of $8 million (according to the city, construction is under budget).

The new shelter will be 1,600 square feet larger than the old one, totalling 6,180 square feet.

It will have room for at least 17 dogs, 40 cats, eight rabbits, which were previously kept outdoors, and six other animals.

The shelter cares for about 800 animals a year.