Sometimes in life you need a new friend , buddy and travel mate. I decided to find a new 4 legged friend and rehome them. I was impressed but also saddened on the quantity of dogs available for adoption. I love how if you were looking for a lap buddy, protector or walking buddy you could find a friend here. Just for the record, my new walking buddy is family friendly and house trained. read more

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Excellent place to adopt a pet. We found a kitten we liked online but wasn't out for viewing. We asked to see her and ended up adopting her. We were put in a room with each cat we were interested in so we could see who interacted with us the best. We adopted two cats. The paperwork and adoption process takes about an hour to complete. We bought a bed and some toys for them in the gift shop. Excellent place to adopt a pet. read more

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So called trainers are staff with no certifications. Open for suggestions as to how to find an appropriate trainer for a very easy to handle young dog read more

Richmond SPCA employees NOT patient enough with those prospective adopters who are new to adopting & who haven't had much experience around animals. Their policy is that adopters can return pets. However, they are not very understanding (despite legitimate reasons given) when animals are returned! REREAD your POLICY Richmond SPCA! There is room for Improvement in your customer service to us all! read more

wrote to you guys 6 months ago complaining I couldn't get anyone to reply yo my phone calls or emails. I came in in December to adopt this dog and was told yall were holding this dog for someone. I have been watching this poor heartbroken dog sit in your cage for months when there as a home that wanted her I hope you folks at the Richmond SPCA are ashamed of your selves for this poor dog still sitting in this cage when some one wanted to adopt her I can believe no one has ever replied to any emails I send or called me No one took my name.l down incase the person you were holding the dog for changed their mind The Richmond SPCA has upset me so much over this I will never come back in and adopt another dog and I have adopted several dogs and cats from you guys but never againI read more

I was writing my 5th or 6th essay for a local rescue that seemed to be looking for reasons to reject us, when I thought, "There must be a better way." A friend recommended the SPCA. We had a great experience here. Instead of trying to trip you up with tests, the SPCA welcomes everyone and educates when you adopt. The process was easy, and we took home our kittens the same day. Our cats are perfect, sweet and loving and good with our son, which speaks to the wonderful volunteers who fostered and socialized them. We can't imagine our family without them. Thank you! read more

Richmond SPCA - 5 months old - Animal Shelters Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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I reached out here desperate for help after months of trying to manage my dogs behavioral issues. After that I tried to rehome independently without success. Everything escalated to the point that my dogs could not be left alone in my place as they would hurt each other. Four broken crates and damaged doors later, I came here. They said that no one is allowed to bring a dog in as they won't accept them. I tell them the bottom line is I cannot ensure for either of them safety. I was told the intake process can take months, and to call the helpline. So then I asked who is on the helpline. No one, I was told. I can leave a voicemail. Shelters are the last resort and with empty kennels, I was turned away despite a desperate, violent situation. And please "business manager" do not comment on my review. It is so clear none of you care about the community and you are paid to keep up a facade. It is manipulative and disgusting how you are dismissing real concerns that cause animals and people to suffer for an organization which could easily take the feedback to improve instead. read more

This beautiful facility works diligently to provide comfort and care for animals, and to help them find forever homes. The veterinary care is wonderful, and the cat and dog play areas not only give the animals some space to play, but potential new families an opportunity to get to know their new family members. Looking for a pet? Go here first. Trying to plan a unique kids' party?check out the party rooms and animal-oriented activities. Want to support an amazing local charity? RSPCA should be at the top of your list. read more

I love this place because I found my best friend here! I walked in and I love how this place is so colorful. Other animal shelters looks like the animals are in prison, but here it makes the environment a happier place for everyone. I saw the cutest little beagle there. I asked one of the workers there if I could have a room to meet him, and they were very professional and nice to me. I filled out the paperwork, hit the little adoption Bell there, and went to the gift shop to get him a collar. The first night with peanut was a little rough. He kept barking because of a new environment. I was going to bring him back, but I am so glad that I didn't. Now we go on long walks together all the time. read more

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I've adopted 4 incredible kittens over the years from them. All in wonderful health and great prices for follow up vet care. read more

The experience I've had with them has been a pleasure. in the sense of them helping my mom that's on a fixed income spay a stray kitten the popped up at the house. Everything was professional and welcoming when it some to helping animals. read more

Snuggy (formerly known as Jammy) is the perfect dog for me. A great volunteer named Marie was upfront about her jumping (she doesn't hop on people now, but enjoys leaping on toys) and health issues. Even before adoption, Marie gave me the paperwork on her medical history to review. SPCA took care of Snuggy for four long months before I could get her (which can be a challenge). Snuggy now goes on daily morning walks, met my niece without issue, and has around 20-30 commands she knows including crawl, wait, and leave it. She's still working on not eating pillows or neighbors packages and likes turning on and off the xbox because it beeps at her. I recommend going there first instead of using perfinder or other websites which end up not having the dog or the wrong description. read more

Richmond SPCA - Snuggy sleeping after her morning walk - Animal Shelters Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Eeeeeek! A little less than two weeks ago, our cuddly, furry puppy *cough* monster *cough* entered into our lives and we couldn't be happier with our experience at the Richmond SPCA. I visited this SPCA many times over the course of adopting our sweet 9 week old Irie. I was most impressed with the atmosphere. I had never been before so I thought it was going to be a bit gross and smelly. So not the case here. It was clean, the animals were clearly happy and visible to all potential adoptee families, and they even had "living room" areas where you could visit with the animal before making a decision. Our puppy was so young that she wasn't even out in the dog area yet. She had just had her surgery the day before and didn't have her cocktail of shots, so we had to visit her in a back room area. They allowed us to play with her for 20ish minutes to make sure that she was a good fit, and she was! We love her so much and got the adoption process started right away. We had raised a puppy before, so we knew what we were getting ourselves into. I still appreciated that our adoption specialist made especially sure to go over the special circumstances that come with raising a puppy. They are essentially toddlers and not every family is prepared for that. After a stop at the gift shop, we were on our way with our new baby and now we're loving life! read more

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Where do I even begin with this amazing place?! This shelter feels so welcoming and so friendly. As you walk in the large glass doors into a naturally sun lit lobby you are greeted by a member of the spca staff at the front desk. This is where you may ask any questions before entering into the main area of the adoption process. To the right is the cats section of the building and to the left are the dogs. Right in the middle is another desk area with 2-3 staff members ready to answer your questions, get you information on a prospective pet or just to guide you around the place. There is also plenty of seating for those waiting to meet with a counselor and discuss adoption. My boyfriend and I looked at the cats and while the spca does have your typical cat condos with glass to have easy access to see the animals, they also have large rooms in which a guest is free to enter and interact with a variety of cats. This allows for socialization among the cats and a really unique and wonderful way to bond with your future fur baby. This is how we came to adopt our most recent baby. We were able to connect with him and his littler adorable personality. We fell in love. The adoption process was also very simple- copy of the drivers license, proof of address and a quick survey about your needs and want as a pet owner. The staff is also so incredibly helpful and friendly. We had Matt as our counselor and even though we came on a very busy Saturday he was so attentive, professional and caring- we appreciated that! As you leave with your little love, to the immediate right of the front desk is a very well stocked shop with anything and everything you could need as you take your new baby home with you. We got our pet's carrier, a collar, food to integrate with what we use at home as well as a large litter pan. The spca is such a wonderful organization and we are so incredibly thankful to have this beautiful shelter so close to home. read more

Richmond SPCA - Sleeping in my arms - Animal Shelters Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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I heart this place with a passion. I love to bring my daughter here to look at kittens and dogs. Staff and volunteers here are super nice and helpful; sometimes get more than one staff members opinion. It seems like they often get kittens, but rarely puppies. The SPCA will sometimes have dogs less than a year old, but they get snatched up fast. I mainly come here, because I am not in a position to get a dog or cat of my own. I love animals so much and would adopt all of them if I could. read more

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the salary of the ascpa is over $187,000, yet they ask anyone to donate $19 per month...wonder if these high paying salaried people are doing that? they pay professional actors and actresses to do commercials to donate , also wonder if the people being paid thousands donate...doubt it. years ago i signed up for one of those $19 per month deals...never again..did it out of kindness....but every week received a letter from the charity asking money for this or that....finally sent letter stating PLEASE, do not send letters asking for more money...letters kept coming...after my year was up...QUIT...never again...once you donate, they never stop asking. read more

I'd never been to Richmond SPCA until yesterday when I went during Maddie's free pet adoption days. This was a wonderful event! It began at 11 a.m., and when I arrived at about 11:20 a.m., the place was packed! There was nowhere to park. The process wasn't very clear -- you should sign in as soon as you get there, then look around because it takes a while to be called and by that time you will have been able to decide which animal you want to see instead of looking around first then waiting around to be called like I did :-( Anyhow, I got to see two cats in a private room. The first had a personality that just would not have worked. The second was perfect. We loved each other instantly! The staff person went over her history and care with me, and she now has a new home. I couldn't recommend SPCA more when it comes to getting a pet. It was really heartwarming to see all kinds of families leaving with animals and kids so excited to have them. Forget fancy pet stores. There are all kinds of beautiful, healthy dogs and cats at SPCA that make excellent pets. The staff is thorough about care and products are less expensive to purchase at SPCA than at other stores. I could not be more impressed with Richmond SPCA's personal care and post adoption follow-up! read more

The Richmond SPCA is easily the best animal shelter I've had the pleasure of visiting. Not only is the facility very clean, the staff and volunteers are very friendly and helpful. They are also very knowledgeable of you have questions about taking care of your pet. They have two main areas designed for cats and dogs, which also includes a group room for the better socialized cats. That's where my partner and I met our second cat, Matt, who we renamed Besito, which is Spanish for little kiss. We enjoyed playing and hanging out with him which made the decision to adopt much easier since we got to see more of his personality. The SPCA also has a shop in the center where you can get most of the essentials for taking care of your pet. It's a purr-fect place to give a fire baby a forever home! read more

Richmond SPCA - Animal Shelters Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Beautiful clean inviting...I love the SPCA and adopted there in 2012. We had a wonderful tour with a volunteer and met as many dogs as we wanted. After we adopted a 4 year old Staffy, we enjoyed taking her in the gift shop and buying her all sorts of bones and toys. A really happy experience! The vet clinic is also awesome ! read more

Richmond SPCA - Animal Shelters Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Today the Richmond SPCA hosted my 8 year old daughter's birthday party. Three members of staff greeted us at the exploratorium ( a large party area, with lots of seating for the kids). They had some music playing, and some games to keep the children entertained while we waited for everyone to arrive ( they supply the cake , paper plates, utensils , some balloons , party favors, invitations, etc). The staff ran us through what the kids would be doing. They were great at explaining everything and giving the kids instructions while letting them have fun. First, we sat to eat, then the kids got to stuff a cuddly toy dog (good quality), the partiers especially liked placing the dog's "star" inside and then sealing it up, naming the dog, and then decorating its dog carrier. Each child also got a personalized "adoption" certificate for their pup. Next they got to do a scavenger trivia hunt around the facility and got to interact with other staff, see the animals waiting to be adopted, ask questions and learn about the Richmond SPCA. We even saw a cat get adopted! There was also a tour of the kennels to see the dogs and cats, can I say that this not what I imagined a kennel to be this facility is outstanding, you've got to see the track and training center! While the party was all about fun, the kids also got to learn some important things about caring for animals and how the Richmond SPCA helps the community. After that we sang the birthday song and cut the cake provided by Richmond SPCA from Ukrop's Bakery (optional add on), and got a special visit from Balto, a beautiful white, partially deaf dog with an amazing personality. Hope he's adopted soon! If you are looking for party ideas for your child's birthday I would highly recommend the Richmond SPCA. We had the Deluxe Party. Other options are available and they tailor the party for the child's age and the age range of the kid guests. read more

Richmond SPCA - After the birthday party at the Richmond SPCA. Outstanding! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Donations go a long way... everywhere you turn someone has donated something to the animals of RVA. The Catillions are a great idea and make the selection process so much easier and enjoyable. The dog lovers may be disappointed by the lack of access to the dogs available. You have to browse the dogs on a computer and then wait for a volunteer to bring the dog forward from holding to meet. Not our style but it keeps the chaos down... I suppose! read more

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We stopped by the spca to look around and my boyfriend saw a dog he absolutely adored. We filled out the dog survey and we put ourselves on the waiting list to meet with her. 30 minutes later, we finally got to meet her. She was perfect. He gives the adoption counselor his license to start the adoption process. She comes back about 5 minutes later and tells us we are not allowed to adopt from the spca again because we had to surrender a cat to animal control 2 years prior. After explaining the situation that we were in, they wouldn't budge on the matter. Everything they said we should've done instead of surrendering it to animal control, we did. We had actually adopted that cat from the spca a year and a half before we had to surrender him and the spca was the first place we called to surrender him, but they told us it was 60-90 days before they could meet us. We had 2 weeks. The manager just kept on telling me that "I put an animals life at risk" over and over again as if I wanted to send him to the pound knowing that it's a kill shelter. I knew animal control was not going to kill him, though, as he was young, healthy, and not aggressive. He was back at the spca a week after we surrendered him. I understand that some people bite off more they can chew with animals and adopt them just to kick them out or dump them onto animal control, however, if you are going to bar everyone who's ever had to surrender an animal to animal control, at least make it easier for us to be able to surrender the animal back to the spca. Not everyone has 60-90 days to rehome an animal, because if that was the case, I would've kept him and found another place to live. And, for the record, we no longer live there and own our home now, which is why we were looking at dogs. I loved that cat, he was the first cat I adopted in adulthood that "chose me." And the fact that the manager did nothing but remind me of how I "put his life at risk," while not understanding that I had exhausted every option before I had to surrender him to animal control, really shows a level of unprofessionalism that I hadn't seen at the spca previously, and I am very disappointed as I have been adopting animals from here with my family since I was a child. You don't tell someone they were trying to kill their pet. And although it may have not been her decision nor in her control to not allow us to adopt from the spca again, whomever does make that decision, should definitely look over their policy for future adopters. My situation was over 2 years ago. I am in a completely different place now than what I was then. I would never put an animal at risk of endangerment. But, there are many other shelters in the area we can go to instead going forward. It's a shame, though, the spca in particular had a really good place in my heart until today. read more

If you are looking for something interesting to do for a kids birthday this is great and it is something different. There is a nice big room upstairs where the birthday was held. The birthday party we went to was for a 5 year old. The kids got to decorate a box and were given a small stuffed animal. They left with a souvenir of an adopted stuffed animal. Then we went to the main rooms where the kids spent some time with a room of cats. Then they were able to give treats to some dogs. The dogs were kept inside rooms that the kids could see and slide treats under the door. After checking out the animals we returned upstairs where we sang Happy Birthday and had cake. I'm not sure if that was provided or if it was brought in. At the end it kids left with a small goodie bag, again not sure if it was provided. Definitely worth it. read more

Hours need to be updated. On their website it says their open on sundays but that's absolutely false. Gas it too expensive now a days to drive somewhere that says it's open but when you get there it's actually closes read more

The staff was absolutely compassionate, knowledgeable and helpful. Allowing us to visit with as many animals of our choice to find the best fit and strongest connection. After our decision was made they went out of their way to ensure that the adoption process went as smoothly as possible. Little Misty here is serving as a wonderful addition to our family and an assistive support animal to my youngest daughter read more

Richmond SPCA - Animal Shelters Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

This is, by far, the nicest SPCA I've ever seen. We came home with our new boy after a busy Saturday and Sunday there and couldn't be happier with the people or the process. Give them a visit and consider either donating or bringing a new friend to their furever home. read more

Richmond SPCA - Animal Shelters Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I am very disappointed with the Richmond SPCA. Over the course of 3 months my family started taking care of a stray neighborhood cat. Recently we discovered the cat was pregnant and began to give premature birth. It being a Sunday, no other animal organization was open other than the SPCA. But since the word "stray" was used during the phone call, they refused to help our cat. Being an organization that values animal lives, I find their lack of care extremely contradicting. read more

Literally the nicest animal shelter I have EVER been in. It is so well cleaned and the animals are all delightful. We went here last week with my sister in law to help her find a dog. She immediately found the perfect dog. The staff was amazing. I cannot reiterate how clean and pretty the shelter was! read more

This was such a bad experience today, I've waited over two hours just to play with the dog named Twain. No one even came and talked to me or asked even if I was helped. Everyone was so rude and was mostly accommodating everyone who had a lighter skin tone. I will never come back to this place to adopt a dog ever! read more

So I volunteer here in my spare time. I love animals but due to traveling a lot for my job, at this point I can't really get one. So I help out. This SPCA is one of the cleanest, best run and friendliest I've come across. It works like a well oiled machine with staff and volunteers helping wherever they can. The animals actually seem happy (and that's impt for folks that live in a shelter) and they are well taken care of. There are adoption specials running all the time and they all want everyone to be adopted. The staff are super knowledgeable when I ask about a dog or a cat they can give me all the details on the spot. Love helping out here! read more

Of course I am going to give 5-stars to such a amazing shelter. I used to volunteer here way back in the day when it was on Chamberlayne. What a difference in the space now! It is so clean, and the animals have so much room. It makes looking for animals so much easier because you really get to enjoy the space and enjoy the animals. The staff is extremely helpful and have no problem answering any questions you may have. Although I have one cat and don't have the option of having another, this would be my first choice for adopting in the future. I have been known to go in and just pet the animals and hang for a while. Just writing this post makes me want to go back and volunteer (or maybe just adopt all of the animals?). read more

This is the nicest animal shelter I've ever been to. I wouldn't even call the SPCA a pound because it is sooo nice and the animals are cared for so well. Its a far cry from the usual pound like the ones in Henrico or Chesterfield that smell and make you feel so bad for the dogs in cramped in the little cages. Oh no, the SPCA is a no kill Humane society and I've been told that this location is so nice because it was modeled after the flagship SPCA in San Fransisco. That means that the place is bright and airy, there are vets on the premises and a pet supply store. Not only that, but all dogs at the Richmond SPCA have their own space to run around in, their own bed and toys galore. Some dogs even have their own rooms that are painted bright colors and have benches. And when you are browsing the dogs you can interact with them and feed them treats through the bars. I don't have a dog myself so this is where I go to get my doggy fix. If you are really feeling a dog you can ask an adoption counselor to see a dog. The adoption counselors are great. They give you the whole background on the dog and you get to play with the doggy in one of the two visiting rooms. I realize that I've forgotten the cats. Yes, there are cats as well for all you cat people out there and their living conditions are just as nice. The SPCA is definitely the place to get a new four legged friend. I often see purebreds, both young and old and often the cutest friendliest dogs that I want to bring home with me right then and there. The front desk has a sign up sheet where you can write down the type of dog you are looking for and they will call you when one comes in. So go check it out and give a deserving dog or cat a new home. read more

I can't say enough about the wonderful people at the Richmond SPCA. Adopted Orchard (now Lady) a week ago and it was love at first sight. The experience from start to finish was a pleasant one. Knowledgeable, loving and helpful staff. You can see the passion they all have for the work that they do. Definitely recommend if you are looking to adopt a fur baby! read more

Richmond SPCA - Animal Shelters Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

We adopted our big guy back in February and had a great experience with the adoption. The gentleman helping us took down our information, and matched us with our Barnsey (previously Clive). He's such a sweet big guy, but along with some suggested medication changed from our vet, we began having some minor behavioral issues and attempted to contact the SPCA regarding training, at our vets suggestion. I sent an email through the contact us option, as I work during the day and don't really have the opportunity to call and talk on the phone. The email I received back stated "Gosh, Meghan, I don't know why people don't give me phone numbers to call you back... I can't write endless emails back and forth. ". The contact us option has no place to insert a phone number, and with my job, I don't have the opportunity to call someone on the phone, and email is much easier because I'll actually see it. We've decided to go with a different trainer based on this response alone. read more

If you love puttin' on the dog, you have to go the annual Fur Ball at the Jefferson Hotel. You and Fido put on your finest and make a grand entrance down the "Gone With the WInd" staircase, and then party with Richmond's finest in this great benefit for the SPCA. It's usually in October so put it on your social calendar and start shopping for something fabulous for you and your four-legged date. Sorry kitties...this fur ball is much nicer than the ones you give us! read more

I recently adopted a dog here, and found the process to be smooth and friendly. One of the things I love about this SPCA is that they update their website immediately when a dog is adopted, which avoids you pining over a dog that's already gone. They're also very transparent about the animal's history when you meet with them. With some exceptions, it seems like most dogs on their website turn over within the week. They seem to have dogs in the back that they'll "restock" with as needed. I appreciated being able to put a 24 hour hold on the dog I was interested in with a $20 deposit. This gave me time to bring my partner & other dog up to meet the dog I was interested in. SPCA staff handled the actual introduction between the two dogs (holding the leashes), which I appreciated. They also provide a lot if preliminary vet care behind the scenes. Our dog was treated for heartworms by them before they released her for adoption, and even had some tumors removed. I'm not sure if this is always the case but they even sent us home with a few months of heartworm prevention. Overall, a great organization. I fully support them! read more

I was not impressed with RSPCA. I came in asking to rescue mom cat and her kittens. I felt true or not they pick and choose who they will take in. I donate to this center monthly and now will move my donation to a shelter that wants to help all animals Always of any kind no matter what the situation. I do believe management needs to train their team to be more courteous and better understanding on how we feel when having to give up an animal, but they are cold and rude! read more

Stopped by today after eating lunch at a nearby restaurant. Wonderful people and awesome animals. Wish I could take them all. They have a lot of black and grey kittens at cats as most people don't adopt black ones (crazy). I highly recommend coming here and getting an animal verses getting a puppy from a breeder. All my animals have been rescues or mutts and have been some of the best animals in the world. Come get your "Forever buddy" today! read more

Richmond SPCA - John Cena (the cats name) AWESOME CAT! very talkative and lovey - Animal Shelters Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I got a cat from them she is a loving car anyway I was treated with respect they allowed me to.have some alone time with her and the process seemed easy they just needed my drivers license and they processed the paper work i was approved read more

We really enjoyed our adoption experience here! My husband and I drove to the Richmond spca after seeing great reviews of the shelter. Glad we made the short trip, the shelter staff and facilities were great. read more