Buckingham County is in the process of seeking an architectural and engineering firm to potentially rebuild its animal shelter.

Assistant County Administrator and Finance Director Karl Carter said the county held a pre-bid meeting about the shelter on May 2.

“The nature of the renovations are from multiple inspections by the State Veterinarian’s Office,” Carter said.

“What we are looking for is more space, materials that are durable and help with the cleanliness, and materials/designs that help cleaning efficiency,” Carter said, “meaning how fast the officers can get the facility cleaned to state specs so they can have time to go out on calls and take care of citizens concerns.”

He said the county is currently considering a new facility but said officials are exploring multiple options depending on cost.

The request for proposal of the shelter, provided by the county, details the aspects of the project that would need to be addressed include connecting water to existing wells, structural design, sound abatement, interior design, parking design, HVAC, electrical work, landscaping and drainage from the dog housing area.

“The county proposes to build for a 4,000 square-foot (50×80) prefabricated steel building for the purpose of an Animal Services Facility,” the request for proposal cited.

Carter said the existing facility can hold 12 dogs and eight cats. As of May 8, Carter said the shelter was at maximum capacity for dogs and has seven cats.

“It is becoming more difficult to clean the facility effectively and by the state’s standards with the lack of space in the facility,” Carter said.

“We do need space for the animals but we also need usable space,” Carter said. “Meaning we have to move the animals during daily cleaning of the facility, so we also need space for the animals while their space is being cleaned.”

The county will be accepting requests until May 28.