North Country SPCA needed to replace their 45 year old, overcrowded and outdated animal shelter in Westport, New York. ARQ Architects, experts in highly efficient, state-of-the-art animal facilities, was hired to design their new facility in Elizabethtown, New York. After initial bid results were received the organization realized that the proposed project was well over budget. At this point NCSPCA and ARQ Architects turned to Bread Loaf to collaborate on re-design and value engineering of the project to reduce costs while maintaining essential program requirements and the quality of materials and building environmental systems. After months of potential cost savings review, re-design and re-pricing, Bread Loaf brought bid results in at the project budget and construction began.

The shelter now brings state-of-the-art care to more than 400 homeless, abandoned, and abused cats and dogs each year and is the only animal shelter in Essex County. The adoption center houses up to 65 cats and 20 dogs in separate areas that have a mix of shared rooms and individual spaces. The no-kill shelter meets today’s standards for animal care including comfortable get-acquainted spaces where people can spend time with a pet before adopting, and separate rooms for new arrivals.

The building is located on 18.5 acres of forested land with an extensive network of walking paths and is an inviting destination for potential adopters as well as pet-loving visitors.

• Low VOC materials throughout
• SIP construction
• High R thermal envelope
• Low water use plumbing fixtures
• All occupied interior spaces get natural daylight
• High efficiency ventilation system
• Custom dog kennels & cat condos
• Custom dog washing station
• Acoustic plaster in animal care areas
• Epoxy and sealed concrete floors in animal care areas