Submitted by the Animal Protection Society

Just over three years ago, The Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor announced its’ kickoff of the New Home – New Hope Capital Campaign to build a much needed new animal shelter for San Juan Island. With the help of many generous donors throughout the community, off island supporters, and with the tireless commitment from volunteers, staff, and board members in our fundraising efforts, the APS Board of Directors and the New Home – New Hope Fundraising Committee are excited to announce the Shelter Project has reached its’ groundbreaking goal by raising 80% of the funds necessary to build the new shelter.

With construction bids submitted and all permits and architectural & engineering designs finished and approved, the Board of Directors would also like to announce that the excavation contract will be awarded to Lawson Excavation and the General Contractor contract will be awarded to Greenway Construction, both businesses based on San Juan Island. It has always been the intent of APS to award the project contracts to locally based businesses, and that goal has been acheived with affordable and quality bids offered by several local contractors.

Groundbreaking and excavation for the new shelter at 994 Cattle Point Rd will begin dependent upon weather conditions. APS of Friday Harbor are hopeful actual building can begin early spring, with an anticipated finish and occupy date of early 2018.

APS will continue its’ fundraising efforts throughout the next year to raise funds for the remaining 20% to complete the project as well as fundraising for normal operations at the current shelter. So as excited as APS is to have reached this milestone, the work is not done. Stop by the administration office at the new shelter site to see how the work progressing, and inquire about the many ways to help continue APS efforts and our mission. It has always been, and will continue to be, about the animals, and the ability to provide them with the medical needs, affection and comfort APS can give them until they are placed in their new, forever homes. Thank you again, everyone, for your continued support and we look forward to a very exciting year coming up.