The Animal Care and Adoption Center's grand opening celebration took place on April 29, 2017. Hundreds of community members came out for the ceremony, dedications, ribbon cutting, tours and activities. A few people walked away with a new family member. Two kittens were adopted that day. The following day, National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day, three dogs found furever homes and two stray dogs were reunited with their humans. Construction began in December 2015 on the new Animal Care and Adoption Center that meets the needs of the County's growing dog and cat population. Friends of Animal Care and Control, a 501c3 non-profit group of volunteers, works closely with the County on this project. The new center’s primary goal is to increase animal adoptions by expanding visitation and maximizing visibility through attractive design, in a setting where prospective pet owners visit dogs in an outdoor courtyard and cats in the community room. Through partnerships with local animal groups and volunteers, the center emphasizes increasing adoptions and returning pets to their owners. The facility intends to serve as a recreation destination where people can volunteer to walk the dogs, care for the cats or just visit with the animals. The 16,300-square-foot-facility replaces the 1970s-era masonry facility that only housed dogs. There is 12,600 square feet enclosed and 3,700 square feet covered space. The adoption and care center is located on five acres at 480 Cinnabar Road, adjacent to the former animal shelter. Thompson & Litton, teaming with Shelter Planners of America, oversaw the architectural and design aspects of the building, which has the capacity to house 68 dogs and 64 cats. Shelter Planners completed the needs assessment, feasibility and building program study in 2009 that recommended the new Animal Care and Adoption Center. Avis Construction Company of Roanoke was awarded the building contract at a negotiated cost of $3.7 million. It was the lowest bidder among 10 companies submitting proposals.
The adoption fee is $80 for all dogs, $60 for cats, and $25 for animals (cats or dogs) previously spayed or neutered. All animals adopted from the Animal Care and Adoption Center are spayed or neutered before leaving for their new home. Adoption fees cover this cost. All cats and dogs must be properly vaccinated for rabies. A lifetime dog tag must be obtained, starting at four months old.