The Town of Greece is proud to announce the successful grand opening of its new animal shelter, celebrated earlier this morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials and community partners. Among those present were Greece Town Supervisor Bill Reilich, Deputy Supervisor Kirk Morris, Greece Police Chief Mike Wood, Christa Construction Representative John Radesi, Greece Town Councilman Bill Murphy, Deputy Chiefs Zenelovic, Springer, and Parina, Animal Control Officers Brian Hondorf and Jena Daggs, and Jill Richards, President of GRASP, and GRASP Cat Team Leader, Nichole Richardson.
For many years, the Town of Greece relied on a private vendor for kennel and veterinary services. However, in March 2024, that vendor opted not to renew the lease, leaving the town without a location to house and care for stray and surrendered pets. In recent years, the town has seen an average annual intake of 100 to 120 animals.
Recognizing the need for immediate action, the town swiftly allocated funds to construct this state-of-the-art facility. During construction, Greece partnered with the Town of Chili to utilize their former dog shelter, ensuring continued care for animals in need.
The new animal shelter offers several key benefits:
- Convenient Location: Situated on town-owned property for easy accessibility.
- State-of-the-Art Design: Built to the highest standards and best practices, ensuring longevity for decades to come.
- Public Engagement: A welcoming space fostering volunteerism and community involvement.
- Security and Stability: As a town-owned facility, Greece is no longer subject to lease terminations or unexpected relocations.
The shelter meets all 2025 New York State compliance standards, including:
- Double-sided runs, an outdoor play yard, elevated dog beds, a smart heating/cooling system, and an isolation room for sick animals.
Key features of the facility include:
- 10 double-sided runs (8 measuring 4’x12′ and 2 measuring 6’x12′).
- 8 cat condos located in a separate room.
- A workstation in the storage room equipped with the “Animals First” software program.
- A washing and drying station for animal care.
- A fully washable interior, including walls and ceilings, using high-pressure hoses.
- A backup generator for uninterrupted operations.
- Security cameras to ensure the safety of animals and staff.
The Town of Greece is proud to continue its partnership with Greece Residents Assisting Stray Pets (GRASP). Founded 30 years ago, GRASP began as a grassroots initiative helping transport animals to the Humane Society and has since evolved into an independent rescue group. Their ongoing efforts help place dogs and cats into foster care and permanent homes, playing a crucial role in Greece Animal Control’s success.
Looking ahead, the town is considering the creation of a volunteer program to support shelter operations. This initiative, still in its early stages, presents an exciting opportunity for residents to contribute to the welfare of animals in the community.
“Today’s ribbon-cutting marks a significant milestone in the town’s commitment to animal welfare” said Supervisor Reilich. “With this new facility, Greece reaffirms its dedication to providing compassionate care and ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for all. The Town of Greece extends its gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this shelter a reality and looks forward to seeing it thrive for many years to come”.