MIDDLETOWN – Some of the most challenging times for Becky Tegze and the animals she passionately cares for with her staff at Pets Alive in the Town of Wallkill are during the hottest days of the summer.
The heat and humidity take a toll on the animals in the kennel waiting to be adopted. However, the so-called dog days of summer, should be a lot more relaxing at Pets Alive, a no-kill rescue organization.
Pets Alive, located on Derby Road, has been awarded a $500,000 grant through the New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund to assist in the construction of its new state-of-the-art Community Resource and Adoption Center. The upgrades will include a new HVAC system.
“This is an absolute game-changer for animal welfare in our community,” said Tegze, development director of Pets Alive. “The pets are currently in a facility that is 50 years old. As a shelter, we want to be a last resort, but we want to provide loving homes to any animal in need. This will be life-changing for them and will make them more comfortable and calmer throughout the year.”
The Community Resource and Adoption Center will serve as a multifunctional hub for animal rescue, adoption, education, and community engagement. It will enable Pets Alive to enhance its existing programs and launch new initiatives aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership and addressing animal welfare issues in Hudson Valley.
“We are incredibly grateful to the New York State Government for their generous support,” said Sarah Wees, Executive Director of Pets Alive. “This grant will allow us to create a modern, welcoming space where animals in need can find loving homes and where community members can access valuable resources and educational opportunities.”
The new center will feature state-of-the-art facilities for animal housing and adoption and a community room for educational workshops, training seminars, and volunteer activities. In addition, the Community Resource and Adoption Center will serve as a catalyst for community engagement and collaboration. Construction of the Community Resource and Adoption Center is slated to be completed during the winter of 2024.
For more information about Pets Alive, email Tegze at becky@petsalive.org or call 845-386-9738 ext. 403.
