As fresh coats of paint dried, electricians tended to last minute details and supplies were unpacked, the Regional Animal Service Center officially opened for business Thursday.
“It’s going pretty well,” Staunton animal control officer Amy Hammer said of the first day. “There’s a lot to do. I’ll be glad when we have everything all set up.”
The new facility at 1001 Mt. Torrey Road in Lyndhurst includes 40 runs for dogs and 40 spaces for cats.
Three cats found in the vicinity of 10th Street in Waynesboro were the first animals to enter the new pound operated collectively by Waynesboro, Staunton and Augusta County.
If the animals prove healthy and show good temperaments after a five-day holding period, they will be made available to animal rescue groups.
A lengthy list of organizations are already signed up hoping to find homes for animals that come into the center. Officers are working to recruit more rescues as well.
“We do not want to be a kill center,” said Price. “That’s not what we’re here for. Our goal is to put down no animals.”
Each animal brought into the facility will be photographed and pictures will be posted online at animalshelternet.com, she said.
“That way people can pull it up and see what animals we have,” Price said. “Or if someone’s animal is missing, they can check the photos for it.”
The center is seeking both volunteers and donations of supplies and toys, Price said.
The center will open at 11 a.m. Monday through Sunday and close at 4 p.m. each day except Wednesday. On Wednesday’s the center will be open until 6:30 p.m.
Residents may take animals directly to the shelter or may contact animal control for assistance. Officers are available by phone at (540) 942-6701 in Waynesboro, (540) 332-3842 in Staunton and (540) 245-5635 in Augusta County. The center may be reached directly at (540) 943-5142.
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