Republic to take bids for new animal shelter

The city of Republic tomorrow is scheduled to open the bidding process for a new animal shelter.

The construction company that earns the contract would renovate an existing 2,365-square-foot building and expand it, creating a new shelter totaling 6,550 square feet. The building, a former day care center at 732 W. State Highway 174, was purchased by the city in March for $206,000, according to a news release.

Officials say the current animal shelter at 905 N. West Ave. is outdated and too small. Since 2013, the city’s shelter has processed over 3,000 dogs and cats, with around 96% either adopted, returned to owners or transferred to rescue programs.

Paid for with the city’s quarter-cent capital improvement sales tax, the new shelter is expected to result in savings related to rescue program transfers. Those transfers cost $55 per animal and total approximately $15,000 annually, according to the release.

Construction for the shelter is scheduled for completion by summer 2020. Planned features include a customer service lobby, new office space, an animal intake and care area, and more shelter space.