What kind of services should the City's new animal shelter deliver?  What should the facility look like?  Where should it be?

On March 4, 2008, the City Council passed a resolution to support an Adoption-Friendly Animal Shelter, and City officials have been examining best practices to determine what it takes to create one.  On April 12, 2008, a public forum was held regarding efforts to transform the Animal Control Bureau, which was a state-of-the-art facility when it opened on Leroy Drive in 1974, and on July 1, 2008 the City Manager presented a policy report featuring "Findings and Recommendations for Transforming the Virginia Beach Animal Control Facility into an Adoption-Friendly Animal Care Facility."

Citizens expressed comments, concerns and suggestions at a second Public Input Meeting on March 3, 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Center.

The meeting also featured a presentation on design trends in adoption-friendly shelters across the country, the proposed building program, shelter services, functional concepts and potential site locations.  Citizens can review feedback from the first public meeting, which was held on April 23, 2008, by visiting www.VBgov.com/citywidetownmeetings.  Feedback from the March 3, 2009 meeting will be posted at this Web page once it has been compiled.

For more information please call Rick Martinec at 385-4131 or e-mail rmartine@VBgov.com.