Bideawee ‘Groundbreaking’ at New Headquarters

Bideawee, one of the country’s oldest and most respected animal welfare and pet adoption organizations, hosted a “groundbreaking” ceremony on March 9 for its newly purchased headquarters located at 152 West 24th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues in Chelsea.

Clad in hard hats, event speakers included Leslie Granger, President and CEO of Bideawee; Joe Sorbera, Vice Chairman, Administration, Bideawee Board of Directors; and Steven Victorin, Chairman, Bideawee Board of Directors, who discussed renovation plans for the future facility.

Although the “groundbreaking” was strictly ceremonial, interior renovation of the recently purchased 7,000-plus square foot, three-story building began the following day.

This more centrally-located Manhattan facility will optimize square footage, grow its mission-based care, and provide enhanced behavior services that will help ensure pet owners are supported in keeping their adopted animals in good homes.

The renovations, expected to be completed Fall of 2021, will allow for a state-of-the-art adoption center designed to provide the best possible experience for animals in Bideawee’s care and for potential adopters. In addition to providing custom designed housing for animals, there will be a surgical suite/treatment area, meet and greet rooms for potential adopters and volunteers to interact with the dogs and cats, and flexible office spaces. A reception desk and store featuring basic pet supplies and Bideawee-branded gear, will welcome visitors.

In the adjacent open-air lot that Bideawee also purchased, the organization will launch an Animal Enrichment and Training Center, which will be home to a dog play and exercise area for resident dogs. Bideawee will also host classes for dog owners and play groups for adoptable dogs that will provide animals and their people with the support and guidance to cultivate happy, healthy, long-term relationships.