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Board reviews regional animal shelter tours, hears $6.5 million New Kent example and planning timeline
Summary
Supervisors reported touring New Kent and King William animal shelters; New Kent’s 10,000 sq ft facility (opened January) was cited at about $6.5 million; the board discussed vet tech staffing, telemedicine, separation of animals, and a multi-year planning timeline with a 12-month build estimate.
Board members returned from tours of regional animal shelters and reported lessons that could inform a county facility.
Supervisors said they toured a 10,000-square-foot facility in New Kent that opened in January and cited an approximate construction cost of $6.5 million. They noted features that helped operations, including separate areas for cats and dogs to reduce stress, design elements for storage and public-friendly adoption spaces, and planning for future expansion. Supervisors also discussed staffing models: using a veterinary technician on site supported by telemedicine to connect with an off-site veterinarian for clinical oversight and using outside veterinarians when needed.
One supervisor said the group saw options for stables and outdoor animal access at one site and praised the openness of facility directors to share best practices. Board members estimated a planning-to-completion schedule that could take three to four years for planning and permitting, with the physical build itself taking roughly 12 months.
The board did not adopt a design or funding plan at the work session; members asked staff to compile details and cost estimates to inform a future decision.
