CASPCA volunteers holding kittens

Pet Love at the SPCA

words by Jennifer Waldera | Photos by Michael Tietgen Photography
How Charlottesville's Kids Can Learn More About Generosity & Saving Pets

When the Charlottesville-Albemarle Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CASPCA) was formed in 1914, the organization was run out of the garages and basements of members who were committed to helping the area’s animals. Just over four decades after its inception, the CASPCA made its new home on eight acres of land, securing its spot as the very first animal shelter in the area. Then, in 2004, the organization transferred its operations again, this time to its current space on Berkmar Drive.

black family with adopted dog at home, girl hugging golden lab

What Does the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA Do?

“Throughout these years, the CASPCA has remained committed to our mission of providing a compassionate community where every animal can thrive,” said Sierra Stevens, CASPCA’s Marketing and Communications Manager. 

CASPCA provides a wide variety of services that range from providing spay/neuter and wellness care, return-to-owner services, and affordable veterinary care, to trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR), lifesaving transports, adoption, fostering, and mentorship. Additionally, the facility is home to an in-house clinic that provides care for sick or injured animals and low-cost vet care for community members as well as a food pantry for pets.

“Each day, we strive to make a difference by helping both pets and people in our area and we wouldn’t be able to do so without the hard work of our incredible staff and volunteers,” said Stevens.

How Families Can Foster A Pet at the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA

For families who want to get involved, there are numerous ways to help the CASPCA animals. Stevens says that one of the most rewarding ways may be adopting or fostering pets. 

“Our shelter staff will help your family match with the right pet for you based on your home, lifestyle, and the pet’s temperament, ensuring a good fit,” she said. “Once you bring your new [adopted] pet home, the shelter will continue to offer support. We can provide resources on raising tips and behavior advice to help your new pet adjust to their new environment.”

The Charlottesville SPCA provides similar support for families who choose to foster pets, also helping to find just the right match. The organization will also provide supplies, too.

caspca at tractor supply event
CASPCA at Tractor Supply Event, Image by ©Michael Tietgen Photography

“We provide everything you need—food, treats, toys, crates, and beds—so all you need to offer is a place to stay and plenty of love,” Stevens said.

“We feel fortunate to have the space, time, and knowledge to take care of diabetic and medically needy animals. They give our daily lives more of a purpose and it takes us out of routines and into the present moment with these furry fantastic beings.” says one foster family.

Another family shared, “Fostering was a great decision—knowing you are making a difference in an animal’s life and possibly giving it a better chance of being adopted.”

How Families Can Volunteer at the Charlottesville SPCA

Volunteering at the shelter is another way to lend a helping hand. Anyone over the age of 14 can become a volunteer with CASPCA, providing care for animals, helping with laundry, participating in landscaping efforts, and more. And for little ones who want to help but aren’t quite old enough, there are other ways to chip in, too.

caspca
CASPCA at Dairy Market, Image by ©Michael Tietgen Photography

“If your children are a bit too young to become an official volunteer, they can still do their part to support the shelter by setting up their own fundraiser,” said Stevens. “They can get creative by setting up a lemonade stand, organizing a school donation drive, or coming up with their own idea to raise money or collect donations. Every contribution makes a difference in the lives of the animals we care for.”

A volunteer shared, “I’m motivated purely by my love of animals. I love seeing them find their forever homes, I love watching them go from dogs who are scared in a new environment to ones that have unique personalities, and above all I love getting to know them, forming bonds with them, and getting to be a small part of their lives.” 

How Families Can Support the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA

Families can also attend fundraising events like Fall Fest or bow-WOW-walk or shop at the organization’s thrift store that offers clothes, pet supplies, artwork, toys, and furniture. Donations are welcome, too — pet toys, food, and financial contributions all help the organization to fulfill its mission. Collecting needed items like trash bags, paper towels, pet food etc as a class project is a fun idea. Some kids enjoy opting for a no gift birthday party asking instead that guests who want to bring a present bring a donated item that can be donated to the shelter instead.

Helping Kids to Interact with Shelter Pets

If you’re planning a visit to the Charlottesville SPCA, Stevens suggests discussing the environment with children ahead of time. 

“When visiting the shelter, it is important to convey to your children that the shelter can be a very overwhelming place for the animals. This means they may be shy or nervous, so it is important to approach them calmly and quietly,” Stevens said. “Children should remain under the close supervision of their guardians at all times, keeping fingers and hands away from the kennels at all times.”

Host an SPCA Birthday Party at the Shelter

Kids who love animals will love this idea! For those looking for a different experience, the CASPCA also plays host to birthday parties and field trips. Children’s birthday parties can be customized based on the child’s interests and the animals that are at the shelter at the time. For field trips, students can participate in fun activities, tour the shelter, and learn about the services that the organization provides.

Adopt a Pet from the SPCA

“I remember seeing him for the first time and knowing instantly that he was family. He’s down for everything especially if it involves a treat, and I look forward to the many adventures ahead of us.” – Adopters, discussing their new dog 

“As we hike and travel a lot, we are working with her to become a true ‘adventure cat.’ She is both cuddly and brave and we are so thankful to the CASPCA and their staff for rescuing her and making her available for adoption. We look forward to many fun years ahead!” – Adopters, discussing their new cat

For general information about CASPCA and to get involved, visit caspca.org.

If interested in adopting, adults can submit an interest form at https://caspca.org/adopt/dogs-cats-small-animals/

If interested in becoming a foster, adults can submit an application at https://caspca.org/volunteerfoster/become-a-foster-family/

If interested in learning more about a CASPCA field trip or birthday party, please contact our Volunteer Manager at [email protected]

Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA by the Numbers

2023 results and stats as reported in our 2023 Annual Report: 

  • Live release rate: 96%
  • Pets reunited with owners: 432
  • Lives impacted: 7,154
  • Animals taken in: 3,051
  • Adoptions: 2,658
  • Pets altered: 3,037
  • Animals entered into foster care: 2,377
  • Pounds of pet food given to those in need: 18,956

Jennifer Waldera shares her hunger for, and curiosity about, food, travel, and drinks as a freelance writer for numerous mid-Atlantic publications. Her storytelling spans from the importance and fundamentals of local farming and production to the intricacies of modern mixology. Read more of her work at jenniferwaldera.com.

 

Town & country living at its best! CharlottesvilleFamily Life & Home is an award-winning magazine dedicated to Making Parenting Easier & Growing Up Fun! We create engaging stories on parenting, schools, staying healthy, the arts, home design, local leaders and all the best events. Building community since 1998.