Have you ever wondered what it is like to work at an animal shelter? Here at the Virginia Beach SPCA, we have more than 60 employees who connect people and pets. Our team members serve in a variety of roles, and each individual is an integral part of working towards the mission of ending animal suffering while increasing human compassion. This month we want to take you behind the scenes with the VBSPCA Neuter Scooter Team.

Interested in the Neuter Scooter’s services? Click here to see upcoming stops, book your spay/neuter appointment, or learn more about our walk-up vaccine clinics.

Every year on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, people around the world join together to give back to causes they care about for Giving Tuesday. This year, animal lovers in the community once again showed their kindness and delivered for the animals of the Virginia Beach SPCA.

Together we raised $15,000 for the animals. These donations give the gift of a second chance to animals in need and provide critical funding to the mission.

We can’t help homeless pets without caring members of the community like you. On behalf of the animals and Team VBSPCA, thank you for your generosity!

Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Sadie came to the VBSPCA in December 20222 when her previous family was moving and couldn’t take her with them. The laid-back lap cat needed treatment for a flea allergy to get her feeling and looking her best.

While Sadie waited for her forever home, she got to know a volunteer named Margaret. One of her cats had recently passed away, and she took a special liking to Sadie. We recently caught up with Margaret for the rest of the story.

When did you adopt Sadie?

We adopted Sadie on February 2, 2023.

How did you find Sadie?

I first met Sadie as I was feeding and cleaning her condo [while volunteering]. When I first met her, she had a flea allergy and was missing a lot of fur. One of our senior cats, Midnight, had passed away at Thanksgiving, and our other cat, Nicky, was in need of a feline companion. Sadie was noted to have lived with other cats previously, and even had some physical similarities to Midnight. When I took Sadie into the visiting room, she climbed on my lap for attention and became playful. My husband, Richard, came with me to meet her and the decision was made.

How is Sadie doing in the home?

Sadie made herself at home on the second day at our house. She walked around from room to room exploring, and our other cat followed behind as if he was the realtor and she was the house hunter. Every day the two cats got friendlier and very quickly they were grooming each other and sitting side by side. This happened much quicker than I expected. Now they race around, play with each other, and entertain each other.

What sort of activities do you do together?

When Sadie is not playing with Nicky, she enjoys looking out the window, chirping at birds, or playing with my socks or cat toys. She sleeps at the foot of our bed and tries to claim her space on the living room recliner.

How has Sadie enriched your lives?

Sadie has become part of our family. She has rejuvenated Nicky and added to our lives with her playfulness and curiosity.

Have you ever wondered what it is like to work at an animal shelter? Here at the Virginia Beach SPCA, we have more than 60 employees who connect people and pets. Our team members serve in a variety of roles, and each individual is an integral part of working towards the mission of ending animal suffering while increasing human compassion. This month we want to take you behind the scenes of the VBSPCA Clinic.

Interested in turning your passion for animals into a career? Click here to check out the VBSPCA’s current job openings.

Animal shelters and veterinary clinics are not often thought of as tranquil. However, a recently completed project has transformed part of the Virginia Beach SPCA’s property into a peaceful place for pets and their people.

The VBSPCA Memorial Garden has officially reopened after a major revitalization effort. The area now includes a pathway for shelter dogs to enjoy a walk in the shade; a relaxing waiting area for clinic clients; and an expanded memorial garden to remember beloved pets and animal lovers.

The community rallied behind this project every step of the way, beginning with a fundraising initiative that raised more than $18,000 in 2022. Last fall, a volunteer group from Sentara Health came out on the United Way Day of Caring to clean up the space so that new features could be installed. After custom memorial bricks, plants, and other elements were placed earlier this year, volunteers from TowneBank completed the transformation in September.

The next time you stop by to visit shelter animals or bring your pet to a clinic appointment, we invite you to take a moment to enjoy this beautiful new space. You can also order a memorial stone to be placed in the garden by clicking here.

Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Molly was one of 17 beagles the VBSPCA received in August 2022 from the Envigo facility in Cumberland, Virginia. The dogs were bred to be sold to laboratories for animal experimentation. Since they had only known life in a cage environment, some of the adults in the group had a long road ahead to learning how to “be a dog.”

Not long after the dogs arrived, Sarah, her mother, Nancy, and her father, Scott, heard about these special dogs and came in to meet them. Molly caught their eye, and they soon took her home. We recently caught up with Sarah to hear how Molly is doing now.

How did you find Molly?

We heard about the 4,000 beagles that were being rescued from the Envigo facility in Cumberland last summer. She was one of four adult beagles of this group (the rest were puppies), and we found her scared and shaking at the front of her kennel near the visitor walkway. Our hearts went out to her.

How is Molly doing in the home?

Molly has been gradually “learning” how to be a dog/pet. She is still jittery at sudden sounds and movements, but it is so enjoyable seeing her doing “zoomies” around the backyard. We had a trainer come in for several sessions, which really helped.

What sort of activities do you do together?

We have taken her for decompression walks at local parks, done some simple training, and have taken her to the beach and on several long trips in the car to New York, Alabama, and North Carolina, as well as cabin camping at the Virginia State Parks.

Does Molly have any funny quirks?

Molly finds such things in nature as leaves, grass, insects, pine cones, and wood bark more fascinating than the toys we bought for her to play with. Molly does enjoy the Kong toy and will get on her hind legs the same way as Snoopy does in the Peanuts comics. Molly does not like ceiling fans! Being a beagle, Molly is stubborn and extremely scent and food oriented. She’s always curious about what is going on in the kitchen.

How has Molly enriched your lives so far?

Molly is a sweet and gentle dog. She scares easily, but we have learned to be patient and loving with her. She’s been a welcome addition to our family, particularly after the recent death of our 16 year old Schnauzer-Cocker mix, Rocky.

Have you ever wondered what it is like to work at an animal shelter? Here at the Virginia Beach SPCA, we have more than 60 employees who connect people and pets. Our team members serve in a variety of roles, and each individual is an integral part of working towards the mission of ending animal suffering while increasing human compassion. This month we want to take you behind the scenes of the VBSPCA Clinic.

Interested in turning your passion for animals into a career? Click here to check out the VBSPCA’s current job openings.

Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Dixie was transferred to the VBSPCA from another local animal shelter in January 2023. The one-year-old hound had recently given birth to a litter of puppies. Dixie was an excellent mother, and once the puppies were healthy and strong enough for the adoption process, they all quickly found their homes.

However, it took Dixie more time to find her happily ever after. In addition to needing a home, she needed medical treatment for heartworm disease. While generous donors covered the cost of her treatment, she had to find a special home to help her through the treatment process. That May, Dixie found that special someone in Doris, who eventually adopted her. We recently caught up with Doris for the full story.

How did you know Dixie was the one for you?

I was visiting the VBSPCA in hopes of finding a dog to adopt, and when I saw Dixie, I just knew I had to meet her. I was able to visit Dixie during her outside time. She was soaking up the sun, so I already knew I was going to love her. I walked up to Dixie and she immediately jumped up so gently. I knelt down and she put her paws on my shoulders and gave me the biggest hug. I knew right away that I was going to adopt her. In that moment I promised Dixie that I was going to take her home with me and that I would be here to take care of her for the rest of her life.

How is Dixie doing in the home?

Dixie is doing great! It took a little bit of time for her and her cat brother, Taz, to start getting along but now they’re like your typical brother and sister! They love playing together and taunting one another! Dixie has made herself right at home, jumping up on the couch and bed whenever she wants.

What sort of activities do you do together?

Dixie was heartworm positive when I adopted her so we haven’t been able to do too many activities, but we’ve made the most of it! She loves snuggling, going out on my back deck, and car rides! I have a convertible and Dixie loves it when the top is down and going for drives near the beach.

Does Dixie have any funny quirks?

Dixie hates getting out of bed in the morning so she always rubs her eyes when she wakes up, then rolls around and sometimes even falls out of bed! Dixie hates it when her snuggling time is interrupted in the morning. Whenever the grass is freshly cut at my apartment complex, the first thing Dixie does when we get outside is roll around on her back 2-3 times before she’ll finally potty. Dixie also loves to give hugs! The second I get home from work or if anyone comes over, the first thing you have to do is give Dixie a hug before she’ll let you do anything else!

How has Dixie enriched your lives so far?

Dixie has brought an unbelievable amount of happiness to my life (and my cat’s life). A few months ago I had to unexpectedly guide Taz’s brother over the rainbow bridge and it’s been hard on both of us. Adopting Dixie has brought such joy to Taz and me that we had been missing. Dixie has an unlimited amount of love and can make me smile no matter how I’m feeling.

What would you tell someone who is considering adopting a dog with heartworm disease?

It is very scary when considering adopting a dog with a disease. It’s even scarier when it’s a disease that could possibly be life threatening. My best friend’s dog went through having heartworms about a year ago, so I was lucky that I’ve had experience with it before adopting Dixie. Always remember that you need to keep your dog as calm as possible when going through treatments. The most important thing to remember is the incredible impact you get to make in an animal’s life. It was very difficult and tiring getting through this with Dixie but the bond that we have created is unimaginable.

Have you ever wondered what it is like to work at an animal shelter? Here at the Virginia Beach SPCA, we have more than 60 employees who connect people and pets. Our team members serve in a variety of roles, and each individual is an integral part of working towards the mission of ending animal suffering while increasing human compassion. This month we want to take you behind the scenes with the VBSPCA Isolation & Nursery Team.