Hurricane season began June 1.  Include your pets in your disaster preparedness plans.

Make advance preparations for your pet in the event of a hurricane.  Don't wait until the last minute to get ready. Warnings of hurricanes or other disasters may be issued days, or even only hours, in advance.

Preparations you should do now:

• Develop a plan that includes taking your pet with you if you should have to evacuate.
• Ensure your pet is up to date on its vaccinations (required by pet-friendly shelters).
• Prepare a contact list of pet-friendly shelters, hotels, and boarding facilities.
• Store proof of vaccination records, current photo and a written description of pet in a zip lock bag.
• Place city license, rabies and id tag on your pet's collar.
• Have harnesses, leashes, muzzles, carriers, crates and all other items necessary to safely transport and house your pet available.
• Plan for 3 to 5 days of food and water for each pet, to include bowls for feeding.
• Comfort items for your pet.  Beds, blankets, favorite toy or other items that may help make them feel more comfortable and reduce stress.
• Have current medications on hand, including flea preventative.
• Don't forget litterboxes, paper towels and plastic bags for pet waste.
  

As the storm approaches:

• Bring pets into the house and confine them so you can leave with them quickly if necessary.
• Perform a final review your preparedness checklist to ensure all necessary items needed to safely evacuate with your pet are on hand.
  

For a checklist of items to have on hand for weathering out the storm or evacuations, visit the Pet Preparedness Checklist

32nd Annual Walk for the Animals

Sunday, October 24  2010
"Neptune's Park" - 31st Street at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront

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Improving Adoptions Through Fostering

Two months ago we launched a new foster program for dogs that needed additional training or behavior modification in order to increase their chances for adoption.  In that short time, 26 dogs have entered the program.  More importantly, 23 of those 26 dogs have already been adopted!  This would not be possible without the commitment and dedication of our foster families and staff.

You can also make a difference in the life of a homeless animal that needs just a little extra time or attention before adoption.  Consider becoming a foster family.  On Saturday, September 11th, 2010 we will be holding Foster orientations.  If you're new to fostering, you'll want to attend our general Foster Orientation from  9am-10am.  Then from 10:30-12:00pm we will be holding specialized foster training for animals that need behavior modification.  Please RSVP to outreach@vbspca.com if you are interested in attending. 

Urgent Puppy Mill Legislation Alert

Introduced in Congress in late May, a bill called the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act will bring all commercial dog breeders in the United States under federal oversight by requiring any breeder who sells or offers to sell more than 50 dogs annually to the public-including over the Internet-to be licensed and inspected. The bill will also require all licensed breeders to exercise every dog daily.
 

The PUPS Act is extremely important humane legislation that will improve the lives of thousands of dogs across the country. We hope we can count on your support to help us get it passed.
 

What You Can Do
Now more than ever, it is vital that members of Congress hear that puppy mill reform is important to their constituents. Please visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to email your senators and representative to urge them to support and cosponsor the PUPS Act.

Want to see our new, fun YouTube video? Visit http://youtube.com/virginiabeachspca

We wanted to share...

...an excerpt of an email we received 2/1/10.  We wanted to share how your support allows us to help others.

"On behalf of the HSUS Animal Cruelty Team I wanted to thank you for helping us place the animals from the Beaufort county hoarding case.  I cannot tell you have grateful we are to once again have the Virginia Beach SPCA support the NC animal advocate community during a very difficult situation.

I want to also give you a very big personal THANK YOU for taking so many cats.  We were really concerned that they would not have a chance at adoption. VBSPCA stepped up immediately. "

HSUS North Carolina State Director

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REGISTER NOW!

Puttin' for Paws
Charity Golf Tournament
Tuesday, September 14
Heron Ridge Golf Club

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2nd Annual Recycled Art Contest

Eat For A Cause!

The new location of The Green Onion (at 1336 N. Great Neck Road - where O'Sullivan's used to be) will be donating 10% of its profit EVERY MONDAY NIGHT to the Virginia Beach SPCA!

Visit any time after 5:00 pm beginning next Monday, February 22 to eat for a great cause!