PROJECT SAFETY NET PET RETENTION PROGRAMS
The goal of Project Safety Net is to provide alternatives to pet relinquishment. As part of our no-kill initiative, we have developed numerous programs that enlist the public as allies in keeping animals out of shelters. By creating a safety net through programs like these, we save lives while educating our community in a meaningful, supportive way about the responsibilities of pet ownership.
For information about our ongoing free and low-cost spay/neuter services, please click here or call our Spay/Neuter Helpline at 521-1300.
Ideally, a loving and responsible pet owner would never have to give up their companion because of the cost of preventative exams and vaccinations, which can prevent costly and potentially fatal illnesses. To ease the financial burden for pet owners, the Richmond SPCA provides a low-cost wellness clinic.
Pet Pantry
The Pet Pantry is a service for Greater Richmond area individuals and families (residents of the City of Richmond or the counties of Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield and Goochland) who are unable to feed their pets. Qualifying individuals will receive temporary pet food assistance from the Richmond SPCA. Learn more.
Admissions Counseling
What’s really the cause for the surrender of an animal? Taking the time to find out and talking through solutions to the problem allows, in many cases, the pet to remain at home rather than entering a shelter. Learn more.
Behavior Assistance
Recognizing behavior issues as the number one cause of pet relinquishment, the Richmond SPCA has developed programs that encourage owners to resolve their pets’ behavior problems and keep them in their homes. These programs include a free behavior helpline, free behavior evaluation sessions, free online behavior resources, and pet training courses.
Re-homing Services
Between 2002 and 2007, 3,724 Richmond animals found new homes without ever entering the Robins-Starr Humane Center or any other shelter. We offer pet owners re-homing services and guidance that enable them to find appropriate homes for animals they can no longer care for. Click here to visit our rehoming page. Download our re-homing packet for additional guidance. (Adobe pdf)
Foster to Re-home
Members of our community finding litters of orphaned puppies and kittens may enter our Foster to Re-home program. The Richmond SPCA will provide services to ready the puppies and kittens for new homes. This program allows the foster care provider to have control over selecting new homes for these precious pets while providing the tools to give them a healthy start. For details on program requirements, included services and associated fees, please call 804-521-1306 or e-mail admissions@richmondspca.org.
If you have stray cats in your neighborhood that cannot adapt to living in the home environment, please click here for information or call 804-521-1300. We provide assistance with trap, neuter, and return efforts to reduce the homeless cat population by loaning humane traps and providing spaying or neutering and vaccinations for ferals.
Additional resources:
For feral cat caregivers
For businesses and residences
Pet Friendly Housing Guide
We have put together a list of the rental properties in our community that permit pets so that moving need not be cause for giving up a beloved pet. Click here to view our guide.
PAATH
Providing Animals Affordable Temporary Housing: To prevent relinquishment of pets during a temporary housing crisis, we can help pet owners secure temporary low-cost boarding at a private boarding facility. Housing for pets will be provided for up to 14 days at the following reduced rates:
Single Occupancy (Dog) - $14.00/day
Single Occupancy (Cat) $8.50/day
Double Occupancy (Dog) - $25.00/day
Double Occupancy (Cat) - $17.00/day
Triple Occupancy (Dog) - $36.00/day
This service is offered to individuals or families in the Greater Richmond area who are facing a housing crisis (fire, foreclosure, eviction) or who need some time to improve their housing situation and wish to keep their pets and not relinquish them to a shelter. Free spaying and neutering and low-cost vaccines will also be provided as part of this program. To enroll, please call 804-521-1323.
Click here for information about free foreclosure prevention assistance.
Often a fear of leaving a pet behind in an abusive situation keeps abused women and families from seeking help. In collaboration with the Richmond YWCA and Safe Harbor, the Richmond SPCA shelters pets of women and families who leave situations of domestic abuse. The acronym stands for “Sheltering Animals for Abused Families.” Currently there are four domestic violence shelters enrolled in the program. Pets in this program are sheltered at an undisclosed location, arranged by the Richmond SPCA.
According to data and study information compiled by the Humane Society of the United States, as many as 75% of domestic violence victims report that their intimate partners have threatened or killed family pets. In addition, a significant percentage (18 to 48%) of female victims delay leaving domestic violence situations out of fear for the safety of their animals left behind. (Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence, Humane Society of the United States)