Alerts and Updates

Shelter Update – October 7, 2020

Our CATTERY will be closed for visitation for 2 weeks due to illness (anticipated reopen date is 10/21). The protection of the animals in our care as well as your public pets is paramount to us. We appreciate your support during this time and will re-open as soon as our kittens and cats are ready to see visitors again. Please watch here for updates as this can change.

The kennel and small animal rooms will remain open to visitors.

Operational Updates – September 30, 2020

Shelter Operations

• Effective October 1st, the VBSPCA shelter is no longer requiring appointments for animal viewing and visitation. Anyone interested in adopting is welcome to come to the VBSPCA shelter Tuesday through Sunday between 11am and 6pm. Please note that as we transition away from our appointment system, our adoptable dogs will not be open to visitors until 12:00pm.
• To ensure the safety of our environment, we will continue to limit our capacity and will operate with a waiting list as needed. Please be prepared to wait outside or in your car if you visit our shelter during weekend hours.
• All intakes and adoptions will continue to operate by appointment only. Intake appointments can be made by emailing info@vbspca.com. Adoption appointments will be made at the time the application is approved.
• All guests and staff are required to wear masks while on the VBSPCA premises and to check in with our greeter at the door before entering the building.

Clinic Operations

• The VBSPCA Clinic curbside check-in will remain in effect indefinitely. Clients are to park in the pre-designated parking spaces and send a text to the number on the parking sign. The clinic income restrictions remain modified to ensure all community members have access to care. New patients are directed to fill out an appointment request form here.

Neuter Scooter

• We are excited to announce that two of our veterinarians are out on maternity leave with brand new little ones at home! This temporary shift in staffing will postpone mobile clinic services until the new year and all clinic clients are directed to our 3040 Holland Road location. The Neuter Scooter is anticipated to hit the road again in January 2021.

Humane Education

• As restrictions remain in all areas of in-person learning, we will continue to offer educational experiences virtually. Children are invited to subscribe to our seasonal Pawsitive Press newsletter here, participate in our Fall Reading Challenge here, or sign up for our weekly Tale for Two reading program here. We encourage families to continue to check our website for new virtual activities.

In-Kind Donations

• We have made some changes to what we can and cannot accept, and we ask our community to please check our wish list before dropping off donations. Our wish list can be found here. Please note that we are no longer affiliated with a thrift store, so we cannot accept any household items. The donation of items not on our wishlist increases our waste management and staff costs. While we are grateful for the kindness in our community, we appreciate your support of our donation policies.

Events

• The VBSPCA’s annual Mutt Masquerade and Puttin for Paws events are both taking place this fall! The Mutt Masquerade will include a virtual 5k, 1 mile walk/run, and costume contest. Registration information can be found here. Puttin for Paws will take place between November 2-6 at Heron Ridge Golf Course. Sponsorship and Registration information can be found here.

Volunteers

• Volunteers are welcomed back in the building. All new and existing volunteers are required to sign a form in acknowledgement of our new safety protocols.

COVID-19 Related FAQ’s

What measures are the shelter and clinic taking to help prevent the spread of the virus? All VBSPCA staff and visitors are required to wear masks as mandated for the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Our organization uses medical grade sanitizers to prevent the spread of disease throughout our animal populations, and we will continue to use those throughout our facility. We are sanitizing all counters, door handles, restrooms, and public surfaces throughout the day. Any staff who is ill is encouraged to stay home until free and clear of all symptoms. We are also asking any staff who can work remotely to do so. 

Can animals get or carry the virus? Watch our video where Medical Director Dr. Ann Marie Woyma discusses this topic. To ensure that you are prepared in case you do get sick, download our planning guide here. For more information, visit https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19

Can I cancel my appointment in the clinic? You can reschedule your appointment without incurring a fee. If you or someone in your household is sick or has been exposed to the virus, please reschedule your appointment. However, if you are well and feel safe bringing your animal in, we encourage you to do so. Please know that we will only keep our clinic open if we are able to provide a safe environment for you and your animal. If you are uncomfortable waiting in our clinic lobby, let the Client Service Representative know that you will wait for your appointment outdoors. 

Emergency Pet Resources

• Please read our latest article on Coronavirus and Pets.
• Click here for some tips to ensure you and your pet are prepared should you fall ill. 
• Click here to download our Neighbor Support Cards
• Pet Pantry: If you or someone you know is in need of pet food due to hardship, please call the shelter at 427-0070 or email petpantry@vbspca.com to see what is available and to schedule a time for pick-up.

Helpful Links

• CDC
• WHO
• Virginia Beach Emergency Page