VERONA, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Staunton Augusta Waynesboro Animal Shelter is now officially open in Augusta County.

After a weeklong move from Lyndhurst, both animals and their human caregivers are now settled into the shelter’s new home at the former Verona Elementary School building.

At last month’s ribbon cutting, Augusta County Administrator Tim Fitzgerald said the more centralized location will benefit the organization’s mission.

“Lyndhurst was a little far out for some people sometimes, a lot of folks didn’t even know where that was at,” said Fitzgerald. “Here, we’re right here in the middle of the community. We’ll have opportunities for people to come, have opportunities for people to volunteer and being a part of this. It’s just a significant impact on the Verona community and really to our animals and our animal welfare community.”

The Route 11 location provides nearly 40-thousand square feet of enhanced space compared to the now closed Lyndhurst facility’s 5-thousand square-feet, boasting more operational room for animals and staff.