Humane Society Noise Reduction

Asheville Humane Society Noise Reduction – The Humane Society in Asheville, North Carolina had a serious noise problem at their facility. When constructed, the facility met or exceeded all the guidelines for an animal sheltering facility. Over the eight years since the facility was built, an unforeseen design flaw came to their attention.

The initial design had placed the cat and dog areas very close together. There was no way for cats to escape the noise of barking dogs or for dogs to escape the noise of other barking dogs. (sound meter readings showed 100-120dB when the dogs were aroused and 75-80dB during normal day activities). This greatly increased the stress level of animals already adapting to a new environment. Excessive noise can increase undue stress and delay an animal’s readiness for a permanent home.

The organization’s mission is to provide every animal in their care a life worth living. To meet this goal they need to maintain a state-of-the-art facility. So they contacted Acoustiblok to resolve the noise issue.

State standards require that only certain materials be used in animal facilities. Acoustiblok’s Acoustifence, a cutting edge outdoor acoustic barrier product, met those state regulations. They knew installing the flexible outdoor acoustical barrier would greatly minimize the negative effects of continuous barking.

Following the installation, the cats in the temporary care area were able to play, nap, and do cat things. They did this without the constant stressor of barking dogs. Similarly, the dogs in their care were able to enjoy playtime outside. And they did so without the often disruptive stimulus from the sight and sound of other unfamiliar dogs.