The SPCA in Delaware recently opened their doors to a new, state-of-the-art animal welfare facility. Jaw-dropping renovations took place in the Brandywine Valley Copeland Center. This post is all about shelter dogs and cats in Delaware getting a massive boost to their livelihood with an animal awareness center.
The 20,000 square foot center was once home to a veterinary specialty care center; and will now provide medical treatment to shelter dogs and cats throughout Brandywine.
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Noteworthy Shelter Cat Enrichment Additions
A cat enrichment environment is an enclosed space for felines to create their own fun in the safety and comfort of of the containment. Cats are provided with tunnels, toys, food, litter boxes and all the other cat essentials that will make them feel right at home.
Shelter cats will now enjoy their very outdoor catio space that will give them time and space to catch sun puddles and grab some fresh air. Anyone who has been to a pet shelter knows what a bright spot an outdoor catio will be for these homeless felines.
Don’t even bother picking your jaw up off the floor just yet, there is more good mews for the kitties.
Not one, not two, but three new free-roaming cat rooms were designed for the cats to strut their stuff, play with visitors, lounge around cat condos or just window watch.



For the more reclusive feline, separate condos will be available so the felines can enjoy solo time too. Cat condos are usually smaller than a roaming area and offer just enough space for one cat. Sometimes felines feel more secure if their cat house is smaller.
Too much space can overwhelm them and put a cat on the defensive.
You may notice with your own cat, he will burrow under blankets or duck into a safe haven out of the way of foot traffic. This is exactly why offering a little area for them to ’hide’ adds to their well-being by removing some anxiety.
Noteworthy Dog Enrichment Additions
Cats aren’t the only getting a major upgrade, dogs will be able to enjoy additional enrichment activity areas too.
Six outdoor play yards will be available for dogs of similar character to hang-out and have playdates. There will be actual play groups formed by volunteers so that the canines can socialize with other dogs and people. All of this type of activity will brighten up their world, and make them even more adoptable.
Providing outdoor grassy areas will give the dogs plenty of room to get exercise together.
ICU Center Addition: Animal Awareness Center
Having a community center for shelter pets is a pretty gigantic step in adding to the overall quality of a shelter pet’s life. But that’s not all.
Another jaw-dropping part of the Copeland Center will be medical support for cats and dogs who need any kind of medical support; and I do mean any kind.
There will be a regular on-site clinic for routine type visits and care with veterinary help standing by. But in addition to the basics, and ICU (intensive care unit) will be available too.
This is huge because pets coming in off the street are sometimes banged up pretty bad. They will be able to go right to the clinic and into surgery or any other emergency type treatment if needed.
There is no doubt, this is a state-of-the-art facility.
Concluding Purrs and Wags
Its not everyday you see a massive undertaking like the Copeland Center for pets. Having enrichment activity centers, quiet private spaces, opportunities to interact with the public and top notch medical care is an applaudable achievement.
Since BVSPCA also has adoption centers in Dover, Georgetown, West Chester, and Plymouth Meeting I am sure this center will be put to great use!
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