A BRIEF HISTORY of AUGUSTA REGIONAL SPCA

On April 28th, 1970, three local residents with a commitment to providing shelter for animals in need of protection decided to take action.  
Martha M. Wray, D.C. Wray, Jr., and Josephine J. Marcus signed into effect the Articles of Incorporation which began their quest to create
what is now the Augusta Regional S.P.C.A.  

In April of 1973, their dream was realized when the shelter opened in a leased building on Van Fossen Lane in the city of Staunton, VA. This
facility had 16 runs with a mere 800 square feet left to provide a public reception room, office space, medical treatment room, rest room and
storage space! As the years passed and the intake number of animals dramatically grew, so did the need for an adequately sized shelter.  Due
to the crowded conditions and lack or quarantine space, a severe outbreak of distemper in April of 1985 brought the desperate need for a
larger, better equipped facility to the community’s attention.

A fund drive for a new shelter began in late 1985 and ran through 1986. The total raised was over $142,800 through the generosity of 528
individuals and families and 71 businesses and civic groups throughout the three municipalities of Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta
County.

The move to our current location of 17 acres on Archery Lane took place in December 1986, and the dedication took place in April 1987.  The
original building had 34 individual kennel runs for dogs, a large area to house cats and puppies, laundry/grooming/medical facilities, a
public reception area and separate offices.  A small paddock to provide shelter to livestock was added in 1999. In 2000, the animal isolation
area, Animal Control holding cages and the crematory were added.  An outdoor dog recreation area was completed in 2003.
We are now enjoying our large addition and remodeling project which has provided us with a public reception area with separate intake and
adoption stations. We have gone from one to 7 additional animal visitation rooms; this will provide the public with much needed space to
socialize and visit with animals. A second floor has allowed space for new administrative offices, a board room, an additional restroom and
employee lounge. Other recent improvements have been the installation of new "cat condos", new cages in the main dog adoption room,
central air conditioning in the dog adoption area and paved parking. We are very excited about the future!
ABOUT
THE AUGUSTA
REGIONAL
SPCA
WELCOME!
The Augusta Regional SPCA is located in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, along the
I-81 corridor.  We serve the cities of Staunton, Waynesboro, and the county of Augusta.  Founded in 1972, our
shelter is dedicated to the welfare of our animals.

OUR MISSION
The mission of the Augusta Regional SPCA is
*The prevention of the cruelty of animals  *The relief of suffering among animals  *The extension of humane
education
The SPCA adheres to the following policies:
*  to provide human care and treatment for all animals needing protection in the area served by the society
* to return lost animals to their owners  * to seek suitable homes for animals without owners
* to provide euthanasia when necessary