Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Alachua County Animal Services will be hosting a "Cinco De Meow" adoption event on May 5, 2012 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the animal shelter located at 3400 NE 53 Avenue Gainesville.

The event includes positive reinforcement trainers and a demonstration by the Gainesville Police Department K-9 unit at 2 p.m. Many local animal related vendors will be on hand.

Wiley's Mexican Restaurant will provide free refreshments. A bake sale on site will raise money to pay for pet treats.

The event will also be an opportunity to view the extensive renovations completed by the Alachua County Facilities division. These renovations include:

• Complete Renovation of the Feline Adoption Center
• A newly designed main lobby and vestibule
• Removal and replacement of the existing inefficient HVAC systems with new high SEER A/C units-to improve air flow
• Construction of one new office
• Installation of a building automation system in order to monitor energy consumption
• Installation of a 100% outside Desert Aire HVAC units to control of odors and provide improved air quality throughout the building and reduce the possibility of the spread of diseases through the proper exchange of air
• Installation of new furnaces in the kennels
• Cleaning of existing ductwork and installation new duct as needed for better air distribution
• Replacement of old inefficient boilers
• New landscaping
• New signage

In speaking of the event, Animal Services Public Education Program Coordinator Hilary Hynes said, "With the assistance of Alachua County Facilities and University of Florida's Shelter Medicine program we are enriching the quality of life of the animals that are housed here. Join us and fall in love with your new best friend."

For more information, contact Hilary Hynes at 352-264-6881 or heh@alachuacounty.us.