PHOTOS: New Kent cuts ribbon on brand new animal shelter

Mar 14, 2026 - 01:25

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NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- New Kent County has cut the ribbon on its brand-new animal shelter, promising a brighter future for the county's furrier residents.

On Friday, March 13, community members came out in force to join New Kent officials in celebrating the grand opening of the J. Joseph McLaughlin, Jr. New Kent County Animal Shelter, located at 7087 Airport Rd. in the Quinton area.

"It was truly inspiring to see such an outpouring of support from our community for this important new facility," the New Kent County Sheriff's Office said. "Your presence made the day special and showed just how much New Kent cares about the welfare of our animals."

This project has been in the works for years, with officials breaking ground on the facility in October 2024.

The J. Joseph McLaughlin, Jr. New Kent County Animal Shelter. (Photos: New Kent County Sheriff's Office)

Photos from the grand opening ceremony of the J. Joseph McLaughlin, Jr. New Kent County Animal Shelter. (Photos: New Kent County Sheriff's Office)

The J. Joseph McLaughlin, Jr. New Kent County Animal Shelter. (Photos: New Kent County Sheriff's Office)

The multi-million dollar, 10,000-square-foot shelter is described as a "community-centered building." It's outfitted with multiple adoption rooms, a fenced dog patio, accommodations for exotic animals, dozens of indoor/outdoor runs, an outdoor dog park and even a .75-acre outdoor livestock paddock.

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"Our community now has a modern facility that will better serve and protect the animals of New Kent County for years to come," the sheriff's office said. "This shelter represents what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared purpose. Thank you again to everyone who joined us to mark this important milestone."

Photos from the grand opening ceremony of the J. Joseph McLaughlin, Jr. New Kent County Animal Shelter. (Photos: Richmond Animal Care and Control)

Photos from the grand opening ceremony of the J. Joseph McLaughlin, Jr. New Kent County Animal Shelter. (Photos: New Kent County Sheriff's Office)

Photos from the grand opening ceremony of the J. Joseph McLaughlin, Jr. New Kent County Animal Shelter. (Photos: Richmond Animal Care and Control)

Photos from the grand opening ceremony of the J. Joseph McLaughlin, Jr. New Kent County Animal Shelter. (Photos: New Kent County Sheriff's Office)

Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) also shared its excitement about this grand opening on Facebook, saying it's been a long time coming.

"We have cheered for New Kent AC for almost 20 years and screamed in delight (on the inside) today at their grand opening," RACC said. "Back to the days in their teeny tiny shelter next to the dump where they made lemonade out of lemons on the regular and saved so many lives in need. Their hardworking team has always been kind and selfless and fought the good fight for every animal in their care. We are THRILLED for this most DESERVED shelter upgrade and can’t wait to see this team thrive in their new space! Hip, Hip Hooray!"

New Kent authorities thanked both past and present members of the county's Board of Supervisors, as well as the sheriff's office, for their support in making the shelter a reality.