Port’s North Shore Animal League America, already the largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization in the world, is in for the biggest growth in its 70-year history.
The organization is almost doubling in size, adding a 14,000-square-foot second floor for cat adoption and wellness under the auspices of Beth and Howard Stern. The facility will be named after their beloved bulldog, Bianca, who passed away two years ago. Right now, North Shore Animal League occupies 16,650 square feet.
To raise funds for the project, all proceeds from the shelter’s annual gala at the Waldorf Astoria on Nov. 22 will be earmarked for the new facility.
With the expansion, North Shore is furthering its commitment to animals that without adoption face very uncertain and even dire futures. Already, the facility does about 20,000 adoptions each year. North Shore also has a very large rescue operation that saves the lives of countless dogs and cats.
The addition, to be called Bianca’s Furry Friends, will be a state-of-the-art feline adoption and wellness facility, a North Shore spokeswoman said.
It will enable North Shore Animal League America to rescue many more animals by adding a second floor to the existing shelter, she said. This will make more room for more dogs on the first floor.
The facility will host a cage-free environment for cats, a feline behavior department, grooming facilities, kitten adoption playrooms, feline medical exam rooms and isolation, treatment and recovery areas.
The annual gala will feature performances by Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks, comedian Tom Cotter and America’s Got Talent sensation, Kid the Wiz.
