By Kisean Joseph
The non-profit organisation Dogs and Cats Antigua is expanding significantly to address the island’s growing stray animal challenges.
“The Sanctuary”, which began as a Facebook-based foster network of pet enthusiasts in January 2015, is constructing a specialised isolation unit at its East Lightfoot facility.
The expansion comes in response to recent US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regulations that prohibit the importation of puppies under six months old into the United States. This policy change, implemented on August 1, 2023, has significantly impacted the organisation’s ability to rehome rescued animals, as they previously sent most of their puppies to Canada and the United States.
“We usually have about 90 dogs here at any one time,” said Joy Farrell, the organisation’s founder. The new isolation unit represents growth from the sanctuary’s initial makeshift facilities, incorporating years of experience in animal care and safety.
The facility’s design includes specific features to ensure both animal welfare and operational efficiency. Four-foot block walls prevent dogs from seeing each other, reducing agitation and stress.
Higher mesh walls, replacing traditional chain-link fencing, will prevent dogs from putting their snouts through while ensuring adequate ventilation.
“We’ve learned a lot in the past five years about what is required to make sure that the pups are safe,” said Farrell. “We need to have a block wall at the bottom so the dogs don’t see each other, so there’s less agitation. We need to have a higher wall at the top, usually out of chicken wire, something smaller than a chain link so dogs can’t put their snouts through.”
While the original design, created by a US-based architect and project manager, included a water therapy unit for rehabilitating injured animals and was estimated to cost approximately one million dollars, the organization has opted to proceed with a modified version to address immediate needs. The current phase focusses on constructing puppy pens in half of the isolation unit.
The project addresses broader concerns about Antigua’s tourism industry. “We’re a tourist destination and we have to be forever mindful of that,” Farrell said. “Tourists do not want to come to an island and see dead dogs on the street or stray dogs in a terrible state.”
The organisation provides round-the-clock emergency response for injured animals, covering all veterinary care and rehabilitation costs. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with builders estimating a four-week timeline for the current phase.
