MERRIAM, KAN. – Heartland SPCA’s Humane Education Resource Officer (HERO) program and KC Pet Project volunteers will join forces to build 25 dog houses for pets in need through an event called Habitat for Paws from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11th at the HSPCA Animal Medical Center at 5428 Antioch Dr. Merriam, KS 66202.
“The demand for outdoor dog housing has really spiked,” HERO Program Manager Kristin Sampson said. “This will make a big difference in the lives of dogs in our community living outside and seeking protection from inclement weather.”
Habitat for Paws volunteers will build more than 25 dog houses during the event. The houses feature modern insulation and a high quality, professional design.
Generous in-kind donations of plywood, insulation board, peel and stick roofing rolls, nails, caulk, and more supplies are needed to produce the houses. Additional monetary support is also needed to provide the new dog houses to residents free of charge.
“Any person or organization that needs a dog house can submit their request now,” Sampson said. “We will arrange to provide the dog houses free of charge, including delivery.”
Completed dog houses will be delivered to those in need on Feb. 14th.
For more information about volunteering for, donating to, or benefiting from Habitat for Paws, contact HERO Program Manager Kristin Sampson at (913) 742-7311 or hero@heartlandspca.org. In-kind and monetary donations can be delivered directly to the HSPCA Animal Medical Center at 5428 Antioch Dr. Merriam, KS 66202.
# # #
The HSPCA HERO program serves animals in the community who are most in need of a helping hand. Whether it is a dog living outside year round without proper shelter, a pet owner who loves their pet but cannot afford to buy pet food, or a group of feral cats that need to be spayed or neutered, the HERO program is committed to helping improve the lives of pets in our community.




12 Comments
please keep me posted on future events
Thanks Cary! To stay up to date with all Heartland SPCA activities, be sure to “like us on facebook” at http://www.facebook.com/heartlandspca and subscribe to our enewsletter here: http://hlspca.convio.net/site/Survey. Thanks for your support!
This is a great looking house. Is there a plan available for it?
Thanks!
Rys
Rys, thank you so much! You can learn more about the plans by contacting our HERO Program at (913) 742-7311 or hero@heartlandspca.org.
I just saw your show on tv about the dog houses. What a neat thing to do.
I have 4 housecats who never go outside, but I am also the “caregiver” for 2 feral cats who live somewhere in the area. We think they live in an abandoned trailer. We tried to build them a house out of cardboard, rugs and blankets, but it only lasted until last week’s rain. Although they don’t stay in it, they would go in to get out of the wind to eat if I put their food in there.
I have never been able to touch them, but they do trust me enough not to run anymore when I put their food out.
We are retired now and I enjoy watching them, but wish they had a warm house. Is there anyway we could get one of the dog houses for the cats?
Thanks for your consideration
I’ve been trying to get through the phone lines ever since your TV appearance regarding the free dog houses came on Fox 4.
The dog house is great looking.
Thanks for your comment Laura! The designer, Alissa Myers, did a really great job producing a design that’s great for both winter and summer high seasons. Thanks for your support!
Jean, thank you for contacting us about the Habitat for Paws dog houses. We’ve had a lot of interest in these houses – and we are looking forward to helping more dogs and human companions in our community. Please feel free to leave a message at (913) 742-7311 or email hero@heartlandspca.org to see how we can help! Thank you for contacting us!
Jean, thank you so much for your support of free-roaming cats in our community! Our Humane Education Resource Officer (HERO) Program can definitely help you with outdoor housing recommendations. Please contact them directly at (913) 742-7311 or hero@heartlandspca.org to see how we can help! Thank you!
Thank you for your response. I saw that someone else has a situation similar to mine. I have house cats and several feral cats I care for. I provide them food and water every day. I’m retired so I’m on a fixed income. When I have the money, I catch the feral cats, get them “fixed” and get their shots. Would love to have this house. It’s a great plan. I blocks the bad weather from the door. I will gladly pay for one of these houses and/or give a contribution to cover the expense.
Jean, you are a wonderful supporter of pets in our community! Our HERO Program has recommendations specific to outdoor cats, so I hope you can connect with them soon! You sound like a wonderful caretaker – thank you for all that you do!