Animal Welfare in our region
According to the Pet Lifesaving Dashboard, only 83.3% of Virginia pets that enter shelters are saved and rehoused. Animal welfare organizations ensure that animals are legally protected and treated humanely, so that they can live happy and healthy lives. Some focus on conservation of wildlife and their habitats, while others focus on pet rescue, adoption and medical services in a particular region or county. Locally, many organizations support low-income pet owners who might feed their pets before they feed themselves and lack resources to give them proper medical care.
About Animal Welfare
The Community Foundation’s Fund for Animal Welfare supports local organizations providing rescue, adoption and veterinary services across the region. Recent grants include expanding local veterinary career and technical training, helping low-income pet owners with food and medical care, initiatives like dog parks for low-income housing communities and conservation easements placed on properties to protect wildlife habitats, to name a few.
Get Involved and Give Back
Wondering what you can do to help? Below are a few suggestions for ways you can make a difference.
Donate
Help Fund Grants for Animal Welfare
Join with other members of the community to contribute to The Fund for Animal Welfare.
Your gift is tax deductible and you'll be partnering with others across the region to help create funds that support the humane treatment of animals.
Volunteer
Share Your Time in Animal Welfare
Many local organizations post volunteer opportunities on CFengage.org — from in-person to DIY or virtual, there are many options for you, with a group or your family.
This is a sampling of the current volunteer opportunities that are available. Click the link to see a specific opportunity or click the Volunteer button to see the full list of Animal Volunteer opportunities.
Stay Informed
Learn More About Animal Welfare
It’s important to learn more about the causes that you care about. You can read related news and articles, research organizations making a difference, attend an educational event on the topic or discover ways to advocate for solutions.
The Pet Lifesaving Dashboard
The Best Friends Animal Society shares local data on animals in shelters.
Richmond SPCA Activity Ideas for Kids
Our local SPCA chapter shares kid-friendly ideas for getting involved and engaged – like projects, tours and one-day camps.
Conservation Map Atlas – Capital Region
The Capital Region Land Conservancy shares county and regional conservation value model maps and land use and conversation maps from state offices and local governments.
Connect With An Expert
We’re here to help you make an impact. Let’s connect and explore the possibilities.