Pennsylvania Began Construction on Veterinary Lab

The $94 million facility will house two animal testing operations near Kennett Square.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Veterinary Medicine

Pennsylvania has begun construction on a $94 million veterinary diagnostic laboratory at the New Bolton Center, aiming to consolidate the state’s animal health testing programs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Pennsylvania has started building a 63,000-square-foot veterinary diagnostic laboratory at the New Bolton Center. The state-funded project aims to consolidate testing operations to enhance animal-disease surveillance and food-safety response.

Why it matters

The investment addresses space constraints for critical testing programs that process hundreds of thousands of samples annually. By centralizing these operations, the state expects to bolster its animal health and agricultural safety infrastructure.

The new facility spans 63,000 square feet and will consolidate operations that processed over 300,000 combined tests and samples last year. The project is backed by a $94 million state capital investment.

The players

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

This state agency oversees the commonwealth's agricultural industry and is the primary sponsor of the new diagnostic facility.

New Bolton Center

Located near Kennett Square, this site serves as the large animal campus for the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

SMP Architects

This design firm was selected to create the blueprints for the new 63,000-square-foot diagnostic center.

The details

The laboratory will unite the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System and the Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology Research Laboratory into one building. SMP Architects designed the facility to replace the current arrangement, which forces the toxicology team to operate out of leased space at West Chester University.

1991: The Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System was established.
2026-10-04
Construction started on the new veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
2028: Construction is expected to be completed.
2029: The laboratories are scheduled to move into the new building.

Roadmap

This project marks a significant infrastructure upgrade for the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System, which has functioned as a decentralized network since 1991. By moving away from leased and dispersed spaces, the state is modernizing its approach to veterinary diagnostics to keep pace with evolving biosafety standards.

The new laboratory aims to improve the speed and efficiency of animal-disease testing, which is vital for maintaining the health standards of the local agricultural community. Residents and farmers may benefit from the strengthened surveillance that helps prevent and contain outbreaks.

The takeaway

The consolidation of these labs ensures more streamlined testing for animal diseases across the state. This project reflects a long-term commitment to protecting the state's agriculture by providing researchers with modern, purpose-built facilities.