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The Pike Animal Shelter will hold a grand reopening ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 29 to showcase the changes in the shelter since coming under new management several months ago.

Jacob Fannin, shelter director, said city and county officials will be present for the ceremony as well as the shelter staff to show all the changes in the shelter.

“We have tried to make as many changes as possible in the last six to seven months,” Fannin said. “We want to showcase the facility and bring the community in to attract attention to the animals and the care we provide for them. We’re basically trying to show the public that this whole facility has changed, how we operate has changed. We have rebuilt relationships with rescue groups nationwide. We’re proud and want people to see it.”

Fannin said many changes have been implemented since the change.

“We have 18 dog runs and, right now, eight of them are sponsored,” Fannin said. “By sponsoring a dog run, you help provide the animals with food, medical care, beds, and comfort necessary for their stay. It is also a terrific way to advertise your business, honor a loved one or simply give back to your community.”

Sponsorships are a one-time donation of $400, sponsoring ongoing care of the dog in that run for a year.

The shelter has also been working on intake and documentation changes to come in line with state code, which Fannin said the shelter is now at.

“Medical oversight is one of the big things that has changed in the last few months,” Fannin said. “We now also offer educational programs and opportunities. Our staff is better educated now and we offer that to members of the public as well. There have been policy changes, including in documentation and paperwork. Our medical intake process has changed. We have  a new adoption application process and offer temperament and behavioral assistance. We’re up to the state’s standard on everyday shelter protocol.”

As a result of changes to quarantine protocol, Fannin said the Shelter has not had any deaths or outbreaks of illnesses within the shelter in several months.

“This grand re-opening is an opportunity for everyone to come in and see all of these changes that we’ve made,” Fannin said.

The re-opening will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pike Animal Shelter at 904 Henderson Highway. Fannin said this is not an adoption event as staff will be busy showing guests around the facility, but guests are welcome to fill out an adoption application while at the event to follow up on the next business day.