Young-Williams Animal Center continues to make changes aimed at benefiting both adoptable animals and potential adopters. After lowering adoption fees earlier this month, the shelter is rolling out new hours of operation.

Starting Monday, April 2, Young-Williams Animal Center will be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, offering pet adoption services and lost-and-found access for an additional two hours each morning. The shelter’s former public hours were noon-6 p.m.

The expanded hours of operation include a new feature: one hour of “quiet time” from 1-2 p.m. daily.

“While we want to be more accessible to those looking to adopt a pet or find a lost pet, the shelter can be a loud, busy and sometimes stressful environment for the animals who live here,” CEO Janet Testerman says. “Animals thrive on routine, and they also benefit from down time, just like people.

“The quiet time allows animals to rest and relax, supporting their physical and emotional health while in our care. It also helps rejuvenate them to put their best paw forward when meeting potential adopters throughout the day, helping to place more of these sweet pets in forever homes.”

From 1-2 p.m. daily all traffic in and out of animal rooms will cease; lights will be turned off; and animals will be left alone to rest. The center will close, also allowing staff to take lunch at this time or work quietly in offices behind closed doors.

Spay/Neuter Solutions hours will remain the same.