Home Update: Regional animal shelter opens to the public in Verona on Saturday
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Update: Regional animal shelter opens to the public in Verona on Saturday

Crystal Graham
SAWAS animal shelter sign verona
Image courtesy Augusta County

The $6.3 million regional animal shelter will open its doors to the public at its new location on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m.

The Staunton Augusta Waynesboro Animal Shelter is making the 20-mile move from Lyndhurst to Verona this week with the final intake at the old location on Thursday, Oct. 30.

Both locations will be closed on Friday, Oct. 31.

Once the move is complete, the Lyndhurst location, known as the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center, will permanently close.

The new location is at the former Verona Elementary School at 1011 Lee Highway. Hours will remain the same, Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.


ICYMI


The two cities and county are footing the bill for the project based on average usage at the current shelter: Augusta County at $3.7 million, Staunton at $1.4 million and Waynesboro at $1.1 million.

The original goal had been to move to the new location in the spring, but construction delays pushed the timeline back.

Inside the new Verona location


The space offers 39,000 square feet of space, compared to 5,000 square feet at the current facility.

The pet adoption and reunification center includes:

  • separate buildings for cats and dogs
  • play yard for dogs
  • roam room for cats
  • community pet food pantry
  • outside holding area for livestock
  • welcoming lobby
  • office space for staff

For more information or to speak with shelter staff, call (540) 943-5142.

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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is a reporter and ad manager for Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]