SPCA asks county for isolation/quarantine building after shelter disease outbreaks

Ned Grama, vice president of the Fluvanna SPCA board, told the Board of Supervisors the shelter’s existing facility was designed for about 29 dogs but frequently houses 35–40; limited isolation and shared ventilation contributed to a disease outbreak last year. The SPCA asked the county to consider funding an isolation and quarantine building with an estimated site and construction cost around $305,000 plus outfitting and site preparation.

Grama said the shelter’s live‑release rate was about 91% in the most recent year, which places it above Virginia averages, but the organization’s bookkeeping had been inconsistent in prior years and recent work to reconcile accounts produced larger, more accurate expense totals than earlier submissions. Veterinary care and routine medical lines were significantly larger than previous county baseline numbers suggested; the SPCA emphasized that a portion of its budget is covered by donations but that recurring veterinary expenses and employee pay increases have pushed the operational budget up.

Grama presented a conceptual drawing: roughly 1,000 square feet of canine treatment and isolation and about 475 square feet of cat isolation and treatment, with treatment tubs, separate ventilation and quarantine kennels. The SPCA estimated rough architecture and site costs and said additional design work — including septic and water‑flow tests — was needed.

Board members asked about the organization’s reserves and accounting reconciliation. Grama said donations had offset earlier shortfalls and that, with interim bookkeeping help, the SPCA reconciled records through the current year and can now provide reliable numbers for FY‑26 budget planning. The board did not make a funding decision but asked staff to add the request to capital planning discussions.