By Hector Gonzalez
Staff Writer

June 9, 2015 -- Rescued cats now have their own place to hang out and play at the newly renovated Santa Monica Animal Shelter, set to make its public debut this weekend, officials said.

Santa Monica Police Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks and City officials will lead a ribbon-cutting Saturday for “the new and improved” animal shelter, said the chief during a recent budget presentation to the City Council.

“It will be an opportunity not only for pet adoptions, but also for our community to take a look at how we go about caring for the animals, and equally, ensuring that folks get involved in what it takes if they should become a caretaker of an animal,” said Seabrooks.

The shelter's remodeled feline center with expanded capacity and more comfortable accommodations for cats and kittens is part of a revamping of the facility at 1640 9th Street that has also included the hiring of a full-time administrator, said Seabrooks.

It was shortly after she became chief in 2012, and after the much-publicized 2012 shooting of a mountain lion by Santa Monica police, that her department “took a look at, very thoroughly, the operation of the animal shelter,” said Seabrooks.

(Authorities were unsuccessful in tranquilizing the young mountain lion, which was wandering near the Third Street Promenade's stores and restaurants, a church, and a preschool.)

Along with a cat hotel, the new additions include a mobile building that will serve as an intake and examination area. It's now going up at the shelter, and officials plan to renovate the facility’s dog area next, said police Lt. Richard Lewis.

Housing dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, birds and small reptiles, the shelter now also has a plan for caring for them in the event of a major earthquake or other disaster, Seabrooks told Council members May 28.

“Lastly, but certainly not least, the Police Department's goal of promoting community well-being, particularly in the area of emergency preparedness, will be reflected in its commitment not only to the eduction of human, but also to the care and feeding of our fury friends as we implement a comprehensive disaster response plan for the animal shelter,” said the chief.

Councilwoman Gleam Davis noted that authorities in Texas were left struggling to find homes for more than 5,000 pets left stranded by recent flooding in that state.

“In the meantime they have to take care of them, so having emergency preparedness for the shelter is important,” said Davis.

Saturday's grand reopening ceremony begins at 10 a.m., immediately followed by a “pet-friendly block party” until noon with music, vendors, rescue organizations and veterinary centers, officials said.

Free animal care services, including dog licensing, micro-chipping and rabies vaccinations, will be available for Santa Monica residents.

Non-residents can also participate in the micro chipping and vaccination services for a combined price of $14, said City officials.

Remember to bring your pet.

For more information, visit www.santamonicapd.org, or call 310-458-8594.