Dear Friends,
We are writing to share an important update following last week’s tragic construction collapse next door to our Grays Ferry shelter and clinic. Demolition of the parking garage was completed on Sunday evening, and the remains of the two missing workers were recovered soon after. Our hearts remain with their loved ones and all those affected by this devastating loss.
In the days since, the City has been working to clear a great deal of debris along Grays Ferry Avenue, the surrounding streets, and in our parking lot. With the building now safe to access and Grays Ferry Avenue reopened to traffic, we have been given the go-ahead to reopen our facility tomorrow, Friday, April 17, and will resume normal services.
As cleanup efforts are still ongoing at the demolition site, 30th Street remains closed, as does the 30th Street exit to our parking lot. Visitors are advised to both enter and exit through our entrance on Grays Ferry Avenue. At this time, we do not have full access to our parking lot, so please note that parking spots are limited.
Our team has been working tirelessly in the building for the last few days to assess damage, clean, and inspect equipment to ensure our facility is client-and animal-ready. We were relieved to find our interior spaces in good condition, and look forward to welcoming everyone back inside.
We also want to acknowledge that while reopening is an important step forward, this remains a difficult and emotional time for our team and community. We are deeply grateful for your patience, compassion, and support over the past week. Because of you, we were able to safely evacuate every animal in our building and continue providing for them without interruption. That is no small feat.
We are especially thankful for our staff, volunteers, fosters, friends, neighbors, and extended community who stepped up to care for our animals, open your homes by adopting or fostering, donate funds to help cover the cost of this upheaval, and offer words of kindness and encouragement.
Please know how much we appreciate you standing with us throughout this incredibly challenging time, and how moved we are by the outpouring of generosity and concern we’ve received. We look forward to seeing you in the days and weeks to come!
With gratitude on behalf of the animals,
