Ames Animal Shelter Pursues New Facility;
Holds Capital Fundraising Campaign Kick-Off
AMES, Iowa – The Ames Animal Shelter staff, donors, volunteers, and guests, with help from local pets, kicked off the capital fundraising campaign for the new Ames Animal Shelter this morning. The event, facilitated by Ames City Council Member Amber Corrieri, began with the recognition of $3 million in lead donations and a commitment from the Ames City Council of $3 million.
“Today, we are here to honor lead donations of $3 million from local animal lovers who have chosen to remain anonymous. We are so appreciative of their generosity,” Corrieri said. “Additionally, the Ames City Council has recognized the need for improvements at the Ames Animal Shelter in order to create a new facility that meets the needs of animals, staff, and volunteers.”
The Ames City Council recently approved purchasing property at 2715 Dayton Ave., the former location of Eagle’s Loft Childcare Center in east Ames, for a new facility. The building will require extensive renovation and an addition. The project is estimated to cost $7.5 million. The Capital Fundraising Campaign seeks to close the $1.5 million funding gap.
Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control Supervisor Ron Edwards shared the vision for a new shelter with larger and more functional space. The new building will be thoughtfully renovated to enhance animal welfare, featuring an annex for dogs, improved medical areas, and specialized spaces to reduce stress and promote well-being for every animal in its care.
“Our dedicated employees and volunteers have always provided compassionate care for animals brought to us, and we’ve made the space work as long as we could,” said Edwards. “The limited space can no longer meet growing demand. It causes challenges for disease control, when trying to isolate and protect animals, and provide appropriate animal housing.”
The fundraising campaign is being spearheaded by former Ames Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Carroll, who said she got involved in this project because of her passion for safe and loving care of animals. “I have had pets and experienced their unconditional love my entire life. Pets truly change our lives for the better,” Carroll said. “I know this community can come together to raise the balance to make this facility a reality. Our cause has four paws! We know the need is real, and the time is now.”
The Ames Animal Shelter remains steadfast in its commitment to operating as a No Kill shelter. Staff dedication to progressive, responsible animal welfare has allowed the shelter to place over 98% of animals into loving homes or reunite them with owners.
For more information about the capital fundraising campaign or to donate, call the Shelter at 515.239.5530 or visit its website at www.AmesAnimalShelter.org.
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 Council Member Amber Corrieri holds a kitten at the capital fundraising campaign kick-off for the Ames Animal Shelter on Friday.
 City Council Members Gloria Betcher, Anita Rollins, and Amber Corrieri look at Faye, a kitten available for adoption at the Ames Animal Shelter.
 City Council Member Gloria Betcher, Ames Animal Shelter Supervisor Ron Edwards, Council Member Amber Corrieri, and Council Member Anita Rollins stand near the fundraising dog food bowl showing $6 million of $7.5 million raised to date.
 Fundraising leader Nancy Carroll speaks about the importance of pets at the Ames Animal Shelter capital campaign event on Friday.
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