Bedford County officials celebrate groundbreaking of animal shelter

Government » Administration » Current Construction Projects

Animal Shelter Expansion

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In 2026 Bedford County officials and community members celebrated the addition of a 3,000-square-foot addition to the Bedford County Animal Shelter.

A majority of the expansion includes 40 additional dog kennels. There is also an expanded lobby area, cat/kitten observation room, and 15 outdoor dog runs. The main entrance and parking lot is relocated to the left side of the building.

One unique aspect of this government construction project is number of citizens, businesses, and organizations who have stepped forward to offer additional financial support. Bedford County staff set up a special fund specifically for this project for those who want to help. Donations can be accepted the following ways:

  • Mail a check to the Treasurer’s Office: 122 East Main St. Bedford, VA 24523. Include Bedford County Animal Shelter in the check’s memo.
  • Bring check or cash to the Treasurer’s Office in person.
  • Bring a check or cash to the Animal Shelter: 1307 Falling Creek Rd. Bedford. If you have questions or would like to coordinate the receival of a check/donation, email Assistant County Administrator DW Lawhorne.

Project Status 

Completed.

Project Timeline

  • January 2025—Supervisors approve advertisement for bids
  • Feb. 21, 2025—Bids due
  • May 2025—Construction begins
  • December 2025—Substantial completion of expansion 
  • December 2025-March 2026—Updates to current kennel area
  • April 2026—Grand opening ceremony for new space

Funding for Large Construction Projects

The primary goal of a capital improvement plan (CIP) is to strategically allocate resources for long-term capital projects, ensuring that infrastructure and facilities are maintained, upgraded, and expanded to meet the evolving needs of the community or organization. These larger projects are found in the CIP and are funded through the capital budget, versus the operating budget. Government bodies, including Bedford County, plan and save for these projects for several years.

You can view the 2025-2029 CIP here. It’s important to note that funding is only appropriated for year one of the CIP. Projects in years two through five are subject to change. 

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