SPCA cuts the ribbon on renovated center

First no kill state in the nation

Welcoming visitors is the new entrance to the adoption lobby. DENY HOWETH PHOTOS

Deny Howeth

September 16, 2019

Brandywine Valley SPCA hosted an open house and ribbon-cutting Sept. 14 to celebrate extensive renovations to what was once the Georgetown SPCA. The changes improve quality of life for the animals, create a better visitor experience, and expand the services available to the community. The Brandywine Valley SPCA took over the shelter about two years ago. Improvements include a new low-cost veterinary clinic with the most up-to-date technology, improved dog housing, expanded free-roaming cat rooms, upgraded dog play yards, and a new community room.

Cheryl Crowe and Richard Byrne recalled the state of the former shelter, and the struggle to provide care until the partnership with BVSPCA in 2017. BVSPCA Senior Operations Director Walt Fenstermacher said over 1,200 animals were adopted through the Georgetown campus, and it has a focus on educating the next generation through critter camps to learn about being a good pet parent.

Welcoming visitors is the new entrance to the adoption lobby. DENY HOWETH PHOTOS

A renovated treatment room is bright and beautiful.

The clinic entrance.

The spay-neuter clinic is large and bright.

Feline free roaming areas welcome adopters.

Jay Korcsmaros pets a new guest in a feline free-roaming room.

Richard Byrne, Rehoboth commissioner and former SPCA board member, talks about his memories of volunteering at the center for 10 years. “These facilities deserve our support,” he said.

Walt Fenstermacher, BVSPCA senior operations director, spoke about the intimidating task of renovating the facility was bolstered by the positive energy of the staff and volunteers.

Joining the ribbon cutting are (l-r) Bob Holston, Georgetown council member; Lisa Cadorette, BVSPCA chief development officer; Bill West, Georgetown mayor; Sara Landon, DVM, BVSPCA; Jody Rini, BVSPCA practice manager; Chris Motoyoshi, director Office of Animal Welfare; Joanna Miller, assistant director OAW; Richard Byrne, Rehoboth Beach commissioner; Jim Prettyman, BVSPCA board member; Walt Fenstermacher, BVSPCA senior operations director; Little Miss Sussex, Georgia Murray; Adam Lamb, BVSPCA CEO; Cheryl Crowe, BVSPCA board member; Maggie Lyon, BVSPCA development director; Eli Martinez, BVSPCA senior development director; and a few staff and volunteers.