ATHOL — The feline tenants of North Quabbin Regional Animal Control at 450 Thrower Rd. can get some exercise walking through openings in the connected cage walls, but a building expansion that is in the works will give them more room to roam and play.
Students at Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls are constructing an addition attached to the back of the existing main building which will include a cage-free area to allow a small number of cats to move around safely indoors. Dogs will also benefit from the new space. The main room will become a “meet and greet” for the animals, mostly dogs, according to Animal Control Officer Jennifer Arsenault. “It’ll be easier to get to know the dogs before adopting them.”
Arsenault said the students have been working on the new building every other week, and having them involved “saves us money, and in the long run, it saves money for the town.”
She said the shelter can always use more volunteers to spend time with the animals, clean cages and help with yard work, especially in the summertime.
A wish list for donated items can be found at https://atholaac.wixsite.com/athol-animal-control or by calling 978-249-2494. The shelter is open for adoptions Monday through Thursday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon.
Items can also be dropped off at donation collection bins located at the Athol Fire Station and the Phillipston Fire Station.
Also of note, May 5-11 is National Pet Week.