Last May, the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons in Wainscott held a groundbreaking ceremony for its “Forever Home,” a state-of-the-art rescue, adoption, sanctuary, and year-round training facility that aims to transform ARF’s campus and improve the experience of the animals, staff, and adopters.
ARF’s CEO and Executive Director Scott Howe led a tour of the construction project on Saturday, April 9, highlighting the progress that has been made over the past year. According to Howe, the site should be up and running by the end of the year. Adoptions have continued at the ARF Thrift Shop in Sagaponack during this process.
Designed by the Bacon Group, “Forever Home” will be anchored by the Richard Wells McCabe Welcome Center. Dogs will move into a new 40-kennel building constructed with high-quality materials and a nitrogen-reducing waste treatment system along with flexible rooms for dogs with special needs, meet-and-greet rooms for adopters, and new outdoor exercise areas. A sophisticated HVAC system will cool, heat, and dehumidify the air, as well as treat it with UV LIGHT.
The space will feature retail and new homes for small dogs and puppies. ARF’s catteries and kitten room will be completely renovated and include custom-built features for climbing, perching, and play.
The new 8,400 square foot year-round training center will be on-site to accommodate year-round training, socialization, and enrichment to ensure animals become or remain adoptable, and increase capacity to provide classes for the public and ARF’s adopters. The state-of-the-art facility will include a viewing area, outdoor play yard, and an environmentally conscious waste system.
The $13 million renovation project was made possible by donations to ARF’s ambitious campaign to meet the challenges of adoption needs, and community outreach for animal rescue and welfare.
ARF’s programs not only include adoptions, but also the Pet Food Pantry, which provides free pet food to low-income families, and veterinary and training services.
For more information, visit arfhamptons.org.