Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The new Cedar Rapids Animal Care opened five years after the worst flood in the city's history destroyed the previous facility. Kirkwood Community College donated the building site in exchange for space within the shelter to train students in the college's animal technology program. The educational component is a major programming element, and a large classroom was built for this purpose. The building design is contemporary in nature with concrete tilt-wall panels, metal siding and colorful aluminum cladding. Dogs and cats are both displayed behind glass, allowing a very positive adoption experience without odor and noise from barking dogs. Animals are housed in large, stress-free environments, which help keep them healthy during their stay. All areas are easy to clean and maintain, and only very durable materials were used to ensure a long-lasting facility, which has been welcomed by this community with open arms.