This document provides information on options and estimated costs for various renovations that can be done at animal shelters, including flooring options, noise mitigation, mechanical and energy upgrades, animal environment enrichment, and general renovations. It recommends determining renovation goals, prioritizing projects, getting professional evaluations, developing budgets, and reevaluating goals after renovations are complete.

1. HSUS Animal Care Expo 2013
Beyond Bailing Wire and Duct Tape: Animal Shelter Renovations
Heather E. Lewis, AIA, NCARB
Animal Arts Design Studios, Inc.
www.animalarts.biz
Floor Resurfacing Options (after old floor is removed)
Option
Clean and seal the slab
Clean, stain, and seal the slab
New seamless flooring (vinyl, rubber, linoleum)
New 3/16" resinous flooring (epoxy, MMA, etc.)
New porcelain tile flooring
Remove flooring, paint slab
$
$$ $$$
Ballpark Cost in 2013 $
$1 / s.f.
$3.50 / s.f.
$6 -$7 / s.f.
$8 - $12 / s.f.
$9 - $12 / s.f.
N/A
Notes
Reapply sealer periodically. Cracks in floor will still be visible.
Not recommended for renovations because of uneven results.
Cannot use in wet areas. Needs good prep and sign off from manufacturer. Maintenance required.
Can be prone to failure. Good prep, sign off from manufacturer required.
100% solids epoxy grout and non-slip tiles required. Low-risk, practical solution.
Not recommended under any circumstance. Very prone to failure.
$
$$ $$$
Ballpark Cost in 2013 $
Operational Costs
$22 /l.f. for 4' high panel
$33/l.f. for 4' high panel
$50-$75/l.f. for 4' high panel
$1.75 / s.f.
Varies
Varies
$6,000 - $9,000 per enclosure
$150 / s.f.
Varies
Notes
More outside time, more enrichment in enclosures, more socialization can help.
Do not look great, work well, but not enough on their own. Use 2" thickness.
Look much better, not as easy to clean, not enough on their own. Use 2" thickness.
Look best, can be cleanable, not enough on their own.
If you have an old acoustical panel ceiling, this might be a simple, effective idea. Use panel with NRC of .70.
May require a fairly extensive renovation. Will help a lot but won't solve a bad noise problem.
Cuts down on social facilitation that leads to barking. Can be effective when combined with other options.
Could be helpful if runs are less stressful. May also help showcase dogs and increase adoptions.
Very expensive but can be very effective. You will need professional help.
More natural light, fresh air, better lighting, odor control can reduce dogs' stress.
$
$$ $$$
Ballpark Cost in 2013 $
$1,000 - $2,500
$5,000 - $10,000
Varies
$25 - $30 / s.f.
Notes
Effective solution for small areas of the shelter that need more ventilation.
Typically used in grooming and surgery, this solution supplies additional cooling to single rooms.
Commission systems, clean ducts, replace filters, service units. This can get things working properly again.
Focusing on animal areas will give you the most bang for the buck.
Noise Mitigation for Canine Environments
Option
Canine enrichment
Vinyl/PVC wrapped hanging baffles
Fabric wrapped baffles
Metal baffles
Replace ceiling panels with better ones
Add a new acoustical ceiling
Divide the room
Replace runs with new run product
Transition to fully enclosed "real life" rooms
Other facility improvements
Mechanical Upgrades
Option
Add exhaust fan to a single room
Add ductless split system to a single space
Do a maintenance overhaul
Replace air handling equipment

2. Energy Upgrades
Option
Seal air leaks at doors and windows
Re-roofing/roof insulation upgrades
High-efficiency lighting upgrades
Replace boilers
Window films
$
$$ $$$
Varies
$6.50 - $7 / s.f.
$5 / s.f.
Varies
$4 - $15 / s.f. for 3M products
Notes
Replacing indoor/outdoor dog doors with sealed version can make a big difference in energy usage.
Focus on the roof for the most bang for the buck. Choose up-to-code insulation, cool roofing technologies.
Changing to higher efficiency lamps, adding sensors, etc. Ave. ROI is 45% in first two years in older buildings.
Calculator on www.eere.energy.gov/femp/technologies/eep_boilers_calc provides ballpark cost and energy savings.
Not always a good idea. Can void glass warranty. May be better to shade windows or provide coverings.
Animal Environment Enrichment
Option
Canine & feline enrichment
Feline climbing furniture
Canine housing upgrades
Feline housing upgrades
$
$$ $$$
Ballpark Cost in 2013 $
Operational Costs
$5,000 - $7,500 per structure
$2,000 - $4,000 per cat
Notes
More outside time, more enrichment in enclosures, more socialization can help.
Purchase products that are designed to be cleaned and used in a shelter.
See noise mitigation section.
Assuming meets up-to-date guidelines.
Ballpark Cost in 2013 $
$35-$40 / s.f.
$40-$200 / s.f.
Varies
$250 - $300 / s.f.
$225 -$275 / s.f.
Notes
Minor building code improvements, repainting, some upgrades to finishes and mechanical.
Thorough interior remodel is about 2/3 the cost to build new, assuming the remodel is simple.
Can cost MORE than building new. If your renovation is very difficult, you may consider demolition and rebuilding instead.
Additions are usually more difficult than new buildings.
This is a general range. Some cost more, some cost less, depending on local conditions.
General Renovations
Option
Minor renovations budget
Major renovations budget
Difficult renovations
Additions
New buildings
$
$$ $$$
Notes for planning a successful renovation.
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Determine your short and long term renovation goals. How do these relate to your strategic plan?
Prioritize the projects to accomplish. Make a list of "must have" and "nice to have."
Have a professional evaluate your building to determine whether the renovation is feasible or practical.
Proceed with a preliminary design. Get some feedback from a KNOWLEDGEABLE contractor on the ballpark costs of the project.
Revise the scope of the renovation if necessary to bring the project in line with your budget.
Proceed with design services. We recommend that you develop a relationship with a contractor or construction manager to get cost and constructability feedback throughout the design process.
After the renovation is complete, reevaluate your strategic goals and track the positive effects of the renovation (increase in adoptions, reduction in disease, etc.).