Idaho Humane Society opens new facility

After years of fundraising and development, the Idaho Humane Society has opened its new location on South Bird Street in Boise. Located near Boise’s retail hub, the 42,000-square-foot IHS includes a veterinary hospital, adoption center and public education center.

The facility was funded by donations, philanthropy and revenue from adoptions and services. The total costs for the project — including the 9.71-acre property acquired in 2011 — was close to $15 million.  CSHQA was the building architect and PETRA was the general contractor for the new location.

“What we got was an incredible building. I would say it’s one of the nicest animal shelters in the entire United States,” said Jeff Rosenthal, CEO of the Idaho Humane Society.

Rosenthal said they wanted a location with easier access to public transportation. With three bus stops nearby, senior citizens and children have better access for volunteering and visiting IHS’s education center. Low-income individuals will also have easier access to affordable veterinary care.

Previously, the Idaho Humane Society was located in a more out-of-the-way spot on Dorman Street near the Boise Airport.

“We’ve really been challenged bringing children into our facilities and now we have a dedicated classroom,” Rosenthal said. “This place is much safer for kids, and they can be a lot more interactive with the animals in the facility.”

Rosenthal said there are more opportunities for visitors to interact with animals at the new location, since they are housed in an open environment with state-of-the-art HVAC, noise control and ambient lighting.

“The dogs are far calmer, far happier, so much more content — they’re sleeping in these kennels,” said Rosenthal. “It was very difficult for the animals to get the rest they needed at Dorman Street because of the number of animals per enclosure.”

With plenty of land for expansion at the new location, Rosenthal said they hope to add a dog park at some point. The Dorman Street location will remain as the animal control and intake facility, which is funded by city and county contracts.