Marshfield pet shelter moving into new space this week

After months of preparation, Marshfield Area Pet Shelter (MAPS) is officially moving into its new facility at 3500 Downwind Drive. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a small group of staff members and volunteers will transport the remaining supplies and shelter cats and dogs to the new building this week.

“We are really excited to move into our new space,” said Karen Rau, MAPS Executive Director. “This is an historic moment for our community, and we are so grateful to everyone who has made this possible.”

MAPS was founded by a small group of volunteers in September 2011 to offer a humane outcome for Marshfield area animals. The organization began as a foster care network, with volunteers caring for animals in their homes. In 2013, the shelter renovated a space in Marshfield Mall to serve as an Adoption Center. In 2015, volunteers renovated the former Marshfield Municipal Airport Terminal to serve as a temporary shelter.

Through significant contributions from the JP Adler Family, the City of Marshfield, Paul and Joann Schreiner and many others, enough funds were raised for the new facility and the organization broke ground on their new shelter in summer 2019.

“It’s been a long journey, but the future is bright for local animals and the humans who care for them,” said Rau. “We look forward to utilizing this facility to not only care for animals, but also to having a space that we can serve the community through educational workshops and other opportunities.”

The new shelter is approximately 9,000 square feet, consisting of intake and medical rooms, indoor/outdoor accessible dog kennels, quarantine rooms, “catios”, and a free roaming cat area named in honor of Brittany Zimmermann.

Due to the current pandemic, there are currently no open hours available at the new building. Visits and adoptions are open by appointment only. A ribbon cutting and open house will take place at a later date.

Anyone wishing to support the shelter is encouraged to take advantage of a special opportunity to help “finish the floors” for MAPS. Participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to leave a paw print at the new facility. Purchase a 12” x 12” ceramic tile to complete the floors inside or a 4” x 8” brick paver placed outside along the walkway in front of the catio. For more information, visit http://www.marshfieldpetshelter.org/ our-new-facility.

“Without the community, none of this would be possible,” said Rau. “We thank each and every person who has helped us in our nine years of helping animals and people. I’m excited to see what the future holds!”

MAPS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the wellbeing of animals and their humans. Learn more at www.Marshfi eldPetShelter.Org