Animals Get New Shelter In Denver

DENVER (CBS4) - Nearly 150 animals in Denver got a new home Saturday, or at least a new, temporary home.

Volunteers and employees with the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter spent the day moving the animals from the old shelter to a brand new facility. They were transferred from Jason Street to the new building located at 1241 West Bayaud, less than a mile away. It's just north of Alameda and South Platte River Drive.

The hope is that the new facility will save more lives in the long run, for two reasons. The shelter can hold more animals, enabling it to take in more stray and unwanted dogs and cats. Also, the presentation of the animals up for adoption is more pleasant than the old facility, which can make it more enjoyable for visitors looking to adopt.

The new shelter is about 2 1/2 times the size of the old, with more space for cats and a bit more space for dogs. The space itself is more efficient and healthy as well, according to staff members.

"It is on track to be platinum-LEED certified. So what that means is that it's really sustainable, so that it has a lot of natural light, it uses less resources than this existing shelter, so it's just overall head and shoulders a better environment," Meghan Hughes with the Denver Animal Shelter said.

The shelter will be closed Monday and Tuesday as volunteers and staff get organized. It will reopen for business on June 8. A public grand opening is planned for June 11, which is this Saturday, at 10 a.m.