VERONA, VA (Rocktown Now) – A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place yesterday afternoon marking the completion of the new Staunton Augusta Waynesboro Animal Shelter facility in Augusta County.

Located in the former Verona Elementary School on Lee Highway, the new building will replace the current “Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center” in Lyndhurst.

Augusta County Administrator Tim Fitzgerald said the larger space and centralized location will provide a better environment for the animals and will increase opportunities for volunteers to participate.

“Lyndhurst was a great facility for us to get started, but this facility is purposely built with the animals in mind and with plenty of space for growth,” Fitzgerald said. “Also, our location here in Verona is more of a central location between Waynesboro, Staunton, and in the County.”

The new location provides approximately 39,000 square feet of enhanced space compared to the Lyndhurst facility’s 5,000 square-foot facility, creating increased operational room for staff, programs, and animals.