SAW Animal Shelter Project in Verona
The new animal shelter facility at the former elementary school in Verona allows for ample, specially-designed space for the well-being of animals and improved spaces for the humans who care for them.
We're excited about the new home for the Staunton Augusta Waynesboro Animal Shelter in Verona!
Learn more about Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center at https://svasc.net/.
Opportunities to Engage

Photo updates of construction.
View photos of the shelter construction. Harmon Construction started work in July 2024. Project completion is anticipated at this point for May 2025.

Project Timeline Phases
Augusta County becomes fiscal agent for the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center.
Board of Supervisors approves the funding request to move the SVASC to the former Verona Elementary School.
Concept and Design Development Phase
Project Updates
Contract Awarded, Value Engineering, & New Name
To keep project cost estimates low, a value engineering process created some changes in design for the shelter.
New Rendering of Landscape Plan
Buildings and Grounds
Initial Design Concepts for Animal Shelter in Verona
Design Concepts Presented at Owners' Meeting
Important Dates
Ribbon Cutting for SAWAS
Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro invite the community to celebrate the opening of the new Staunton Augusta Waynesboro Animal Shelter (SAWAS) facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 4 p.m. at 1011 Lee Highway in Verona. Following the ceremony, guests are welcome to tour the new building until 6 p.m.
New Shelter Opens for Business
Staff moved the Lyndhurst shelter animals and equipment to the new facility the week of October 27 and opened the new shelter for business on November 1, 2025.