PANAMA CITY — A local animal shelter has returned home after five years of roaming Bay County.
The Humane Society of Bay County (HSBC) has returned to “The Igloo,” its former home at 1600 Bay Ave., after relocating from multiple locations around Bay County.
HSBC was initially run out of The Igloo by multiple $4,000 electric bills due to inefficient utilities and a failing plumbing system, according to HSBC representatives. However, with contributions from local businesses, military groups, residents and volunteers, HSBC has been able to return home with more capacity for homeless animals.
“Over the past five years, the HSBC has worked hard to get our ducks in a row,” said Terri Davidson, HSBC president. “We have been through some difficult times but through it all, there has been many a miracle that led us to the right people and the right businesses to make this move back home a reality. Our mission is to help the homeless animals in Bay County and going back to our shelter on Bay Avenue best serves that mission.”
HSBC is the only no-kill shelter in Bay County and relies on donations to support their cause. The homecoming not only increases their capacity but opens up new opportunities for housed and homeless animals in the community.
Within the last year and a half, the HSBC has seen promising adoption rates, with an average of 60 adoptions per month and an average 30-day length of stay at the shelter. Moving back to the Igloo affords HSBC an opportunity to increase those numbers — eventually doubling their capacity.
The immediate results of their return allows shelter for up to 50 cats and 50 dogs within the 10,930-square-foot building. The renovated facility could house as many as 100 dogs at max capacity on the 3.15-acre grounds, which includes an exercise area for the dogs.
About 2,100 square feet of the facilities have been leased to Operation Spay Bay, the area’s first low-cost spay/neuter clinic. Animals no longer will have to get on waiting lists at vet clinics for their spay/neuter surgeries, and can be completed within 48 hours.
“Now, with OSB sharing our building, some of our animals could be adopted within days,” said Starla Raiborn, general manager. “The animals come straight in, are checked over and get fixed. They could be ready to go home with a new family within a potential 48-hour window.”
The Humane Society opened for business Tuesday and is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday though Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Operation Spay Bay is expected to be open by mid-March with a grand opening to be announced.