The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) will receive $50,000 in state funding to improve its West Chester shelter and expand its animal veterinary services. This funding was secured by state Sen. Carolyn Comitta.

Some of the funding will be used to add an in-house surgery suite, which will allow the shelter to offer on-site spay and neuter services, avoiding the need to transport animals to the off-site Animal Health Center and expediting recovery time. The project also calls for building a paved walking path for volunteers and staff members to safely walk dogs around the property during any type of weather and increase the animals' opportunities for outdoor play, socialization, and exercise in secure enrichment yards.

Previously known as the Chester County SPCA, BVSPCA has been advocating for the humane treatment of animals since 1929. BVSPCA operates four shelters and Animal Health Centers in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

For more information on BVSPCA and the pets available for adoption at its shelters, visit http://www.bvspca.org.