I absolutely love the cville SPCA. We have had a few problems, mostly relating to the poor foster team being completely slammed and overworked which is not their fault at all. Just know that they have a lot of people to help, and patience goes a long way! Here are three areas I will comment on: Fostering: The people who work here are very knowledgeable and care about their animals, and the cat were fostering right now is a total gem. Fostering is totally free, and they provide all the materials you need. They don't allow you to meet the animals ahead of time, so definitely be intuitive reading the foster board. Please look at the medical fosters too! Many of them ar totally healthy, like our cat, and are recovering from minor non contagious issues. The one we have is totally friendly and a great cat. Strays: I brought in one a couple months ago and the spca was able to microchip and check him to see if he was neutered. I brought in a second stray yesterday morning and called to check on him and the worker was so personable and we had a long conversation about his health. I was concerned they would be bothered with me calling to check but was surprised to find the total opposite. ALSO - they have pens in the back specifically for anonymous dumps. I absolutely hate when people drop cats off (I live in the city of cville so it happens all the time), but PLEASE take them to the spca instead. You can do so anonymously but it's so much more humane than leaving them on the street. Adoptions: the prices are really reasonable, and while I haven't adopted (yet), I know fostering is a great way to transition into adoption. I'm not sure theyre doing meets with the animals because of covid, but fostering is a free way to see if the animal fits in your house and you can adopt at any time. Overall, I love the SPCA and would always get a dog or cat from here rather than a breeder. read more

The folks in here work so hard to get these furbabies rehomed. They do a really good job with raising awareness and looking after all the animals, and try their best to get animals in foster homes so they aren't in the shelter the whole time. They're a no kill shelter and often partner with local businesses for events. Their work hours recently changed to 12-6pm, Mon-Sun. read more

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I adopted my kitten from this SPCA... and it was a great experience.. My kitten had a respiratory infection and ear flea before adopting, which was taken care of before the adoption... the people super friendly and caring, they will make sure that the pet is going to be in good hands! read more

Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA - Animal Shelters Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Does not honor first come first serve. poor communication. Do not go if you want any specific animal. Management is all but nonexistent, and staff is likely misinformed. Effort and persistence do not matter, do not submit any information as you will receive no updates whatsoever. Understaffed and overcrowded without clear vision. Only good if you want any animal, all bets are off for selections. read more

This place should be ASHAME. I went there to get a pet for my mom for Christmas. They advertise on the radio that the price was low for the holiday. I saw this sweet little dog name BUTTERSCOTCH. I was like I'll TAKE HER. They told me $300 y'all. Yes you heard me right $300. To adopt???? I was like Naw but I really wanted her so I went back the next day and she was gone. Now I heard they did charge everybody the same. Just certain people that amount. IJS... Is this right?? read more

Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA - Animal Shelters Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

My wife's boss is a volunteer at the Charlottesville SPCA and had talked about how great it was to foster a dog. Long story short - we began to foster a dog on Christmas Eve. We take her back to the SPCA next Friday, where she will be spayed, microchipped and set up for adoption. This beautiful dog was abused and malnourished. We have gotten her trained, put a few pounds on her and helped her to be ready for her 'furever' family. The people there are overworked - most of them volunteers - and are doing the best that they can. Once "Faith" (our foster dog) is placed with a loving family, we plan to foster another doggie - so that he/she can be ready to be adodpted. I admonish ALL OF YOU to to love your pets. Have them spayed or neutered! P.S. I live near Charlottesville. No idea why it says that I live in San Francisco. I doubt that I would want to be caught dead in that city. read more

Rude and abrupt and do not have to prove anything and don't comply with their own policies. Could not get any information out of them on the other party proving that my dog was in a good situation or that they owned the dog. I was listed on the chip and I have all the papers on her. They gave the dog away to someone else based on vet records, but not if the dog was in a good environment. Not happy. read more

Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA - The black and tan GSD is the dog, named Trudy. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Our upstairs neighbors began fostering a cat a few weeks ago. After many visits spent on the floor, letting her sniff us & building trust, we knew we wanted to adopt her. I filled out the online paperwork, called and left voicemails, without any response. Abruptly, the CASPCA called the foster, saying that they wanted the cat to come back at the shelter. This was confusing for all of us involved, since I was attempting to adopt her and awaiting communication. In the shelter previously, she had been refusing to eat or interact. We had hoped we could spare her multiple car ride and time in a cage, so the foster asked if he could extend her stay for a few more days to give us time to get the paperwork settled. They rejected that idea, stating they needed her returned because "their cat inventory was low" (wild thing to say about living creatures). The foster returned her and tried to explain the situation in person, but was brushed off saying I needed to come in person (having no notice, I was at work). She was adopted quickly by someone who was a walk-in. I cannot fathom how a physical walk in is prioritized over persistent effort and interest. Surely it is better for the longterm welfare of the animal to collect & assess applications in a mindful manner, rather than sending a living creature home with the first person who (perhaps) impulsively wanders in. And, if that is their method, why not make that clear? Why have an online application process?!? It wasn't until I read the bad reviews posted here that I learned that this is their "model" for adoption. Their alleged "discrimination free system" is functionally ableist, prioritizing people who are able to physically arrive to the shelter's location the fastest. Referring to their broken system as "barrier free" is laughable, when you consider the many barriers that would keep an individual from arriving to the shelter's location at the drop of a hat without notice. It is fraught, problematic and lazy to label such an obviously flawed system as "discrimination free" and I hope they will consider the very real diluting impact of using those terms without function. That in itself, is shameful. Submitting an application, calling multiple times, knowing the cat, and having a foster recommendation ended up being less meaningful than if we had just impulsively walked in and randomly chosen to bring home a cat. What?! We had been preparing our home for a 20 year commitment, and are completely heartbroken today. If we had known we needed to be there at 11:55am, we would have tried to take off work, but none of this was communicated. There are 3.3 million cats in shelters (2023), there is 0 reason to not focus on finding other cats homes when there is already someone eagerly trying to adopt 1 of them I truly hope the CASPCA will do better for the animals and individuals in our community. read more

I hate leaving bad reviews of non-profits, but the CASPCA deserves one. The actual staff working here are some of the hardest working, most caring people; but they are unfortunately severely understaffed and underresourced. Violent dogs are knowingly placed in homes without notifying the new adopting families of their past, leading to bites, nerve damage, and worse. When those dogs are returned to CASPCA, CASPCA just re-adopts them out without any additional training or warning to the new families, continuing a cycle of abuse. As much as SPCA (as a national organization) is wonderful, this chapter is chronically mismanaged and dangerous. I would strongly recommend anyone looking to adopt from CASPCA to google "Angie Gunter CASPCA toxic" and read through the horror stories of the poor staff working here and the mistreatment Angie Gunter puts on her employees. read more

I've been here many times but I've never had an opportunity to adopt a pet until today. They were holding a $10 cat adoption and I found a beautiful female cat named Rocki (We renamed her Luce). The staff was great and helpful in finding me a good fit. I will say there was an older volunteer there and I felt she was very rude to another volunteer when she was asking for help. Either way I left happy & Luce has her forever home. read more

Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA - Luce the cat - Animal Shelters Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Be sure you know what kind of pet youre getting and how it really acts vs being lied too. I came to this spca in ( Charlottesville va ) on 6/15/2023, the young lady who spoke to me and helped me with an application for a pet was amazing. So I came back that Saturday on 6/17/2023 yet the young lady ive spoken to before wasn't working so I spoke with another who talked me into taking home a pet I was told she's good with walks but not very long walks and that she is house broken & they had no problems with her yet once home she didn't eat for days and on short walks she would flop out no matter where and refuse to move, she chewed through the leach twice and ran off causing me to be late to work 2 days in a row I had to shampoo my carpets 4 days in a row due to her refusing to use the restroom out doors, upset as I was I had to take her back to the spca on 6/20/2023 only to learn that even though I had paid hard earned money to take her home I wasn't told i wouldn't get my money back if I had to bring her back, I was robbed i didn't get my money refunded. I was lied too about the pet and clearly I had my money stolen/scammed !!! (No one in their right mind will just give away $200 that they work hard for ) to do that to someone is wrong on so many levels..... I am angry ,upset and yes I want my money back !!! read more

About 15 years ago adopted a kitten from a place near by where they helping out the SPCA. Heva been to this location over the course of many years to drop off some donations and bringing my nephews to do the same and to spend some time with the animals. The staff hs always been very appreciative acting and very helpful in educating my nephews about what the shelter is and about animals and their needs. Iv rescued few animals and have a bunch of others I love and spoil and know the hard work and time that can come with working with animals and I'm so glad this place and the staff are capable of taking in these animals that have been displaced and in need of a safe place until finding a new home. I'm excited to be apart of the bow wow walk coming up and plan to donate even more in the future :D read more

Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA - The Bow Wow walk - Animal Shelters Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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i set an appointment ahead of time to walk a dog today and was met by an unhelpful staff. I don't like to leave bad reviews for non profit organizations like this but this encounter was upsetting. the staff was disorganized and unwilling to give me any communicate regarding my appointment. I stayed in the building for about 30 minutes until I ultimately decided to just leave. read more

11 years ago: I walked dogs at the ASPCA facility. Wonderful experience. Then my wife wanted a "red"cat. We went to a pre Christmas sale. She found a "red" cat and I fell in love with a little "red" puppy (Hobo was part Rhodesian ridge back). We lived 10 very good years together. Hobo was challenging, but it was my best companion. He recently became very ill. I had to led him go. We parted at the Greenbrier Animal Hospital. I want to thank the ASPCA Pet Insurance for their financial help during the period when Hobo needed Vet and medical attention. I would like to go back walking dogs. But this is closed due to covit. I miss Hobo, and I miss walking the rescued dogs. But Boots the cat is the one that miss him as much as we do. They slept in the same crate together when they were babies and they grew up together. read more

I found my best friend Timon the Chihuahua here. This AMAZING place drove their van all the way down to New Orleans after Hurricane Barry hit the area. I found out that they saved approximately 30 dogs along with my own! The place they got him from was a high kill shelter. I don't know what I would do without my little boy. I am very disappointed that there aren't over 100 reviews for this place and all 5 stars. I almost gave up on being a dog owner. A friend of mine told me about the SPCA after I mentioned to him how hard I've tried at other shelters. I simply emailed the SPCA and the next morning I received a message that they had the perfect dog for me! I couldn't believe how fast the response was and that they were right. They found the PERFECT dog for me! Thank you all so very much. You have no idea what my little puppy means to me. read more

Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA - Best Puppy EVER!!! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Haven't been here too long, but so far this is the best pet care center I have ever seen! They have a no-kill policy and accept ALL strays. SPCA also tries very hard to match all animals to an appropriate home. They do their best to fix all animals and keep them healthy, physically and mentally. The shelter also relies very much so on volunteers and are very appreciative of their volunteers. You can dog walk, hang out with the cats, bunnies, ferrets, etc. and probably a number of other tasks! It's pretty flexible and easy to get involved with. There is also a foster program that I think is great for people thinking about adopting, but aren't sure if they are ready yet (volunteering is also good because they give a training session that teaches you how to handle the animals). Hopefully I'll post more after a few more weeks volunteering with SPCA. read more

THE SPCA GAVE MY CAT AWAY! I fostered a cat for THREE WEEKS with the intent to adopt the cat. I informed the staff on a Friday that I would bring the cat in on the following Monday for her last round of vaccinations before adoption. I DROPPED THE CAT OFF FOR MORNING VACCINATIONS, WENT TO WORK, WENT BACK TO THE SPCA AND THE CAT WAS GIVEN AWAY!!! I can't explain the sadness and disappointment I felt to walk out of the SPCA knowing that my cat was gone from me. SO UPSET! Disorganized and lacksidazical!!! read more

We had originally heard some people having bad experiences at the Charlottesville SPCA. I haven't heard that it is difficult to adopt from them, even though they say that they are at times. I have to say that we had the complete opposite experience. From the day we walked in and the original SPCA handler basically interviewed us after we had our paperwork done, we were worried that they were judging us and thinking that we would not be able to handle a big dog. We already had three small dogs. We have had them for years. We were worried that adopting a big dog trouble and that they wouldn't get along. Our small dogs have big dog friends, however we have never taken any big dog. I could not stop thinking about this white pit boy since we met him on Sunday, 3 days ago. Yesterday I called and set up a meet and greet with him. The meet and greet with our other dogs, the SPCA workers decided that they did not need to do a home inspection, that we are good and responsible pet owners. They told us we could take him home with us. That we did. He is beyond happy. We are elated. To all who took care of him, trained him and helped us with this process... THANK YOU. I have a new running buddy. His name is now Griffey. read more

Gosh my wife and I love this place. We go there about once a month to play with the dogs and cats they have. Their staff am truly cares about the animals and taking care of them. The building is nice with cool rooms to take animas into if you want to play with them. Go visit! read more

I love this SPCA and I've been volunteering here for several weeks now. They take very good care of their animals and it's great that they're a no-kill shelter. The staff are incredibly friendly and will answer any and all questions you have about the animal (they usually know the most at the front desk). It would definitely be the place I would recommend adopting/fostering/getting rid of a pet because they try and get to know each pet and give them personal attention. Talking to the regular volunteers for example is a great way to get to know the personalities of any of the pets as they know them very well. Some cons (sort of, not really): I noticed someone else posted about how they are reluctant to give negative information about their pets in an attempt to get them out the door as fast as possible. I'd say this is partially true but mostly false. They coach us in the volunteer session about wording negative things in a nice way so that you won't deter potential adopters away on an issue that shouldn't even concern them. For example, if a family is only planning on adopting one cat but they're deterred by a sign from a cat that "is mean to other pets" even when it doesn't matter in their situation, they say things like "she wants to be your only cat, the center of your attention" etc. But at the same time, they are still willing to tell you the issues of an animal, just in a nicely worded way. However, they also take great time and care when it comes to getting an animal matched up with the right person, and won't give them away to just anyone as the other rater implied. For example, they have a dog that's been at the shelter for a year and a half (or longer, not sure) because he's been fostered and they've determined he has serious abandonment issues. They're very clear about that, which is why he hasn't been adopted, because they want him to go to a home that accepts the responsibilities of this dog. They also typically offer "fostering to adopt" to any pets that have issues so the owner knows what they're getting into, even when the owner wants to adopt the animal right away. Things like chewing and minor behavioral issues are also, many times, things the animal shelters simply don't know unless the pet has been fostered at some point. It's hard to say what minor issues pets will have in a real home. The only things we can learn at a shelter are general disposition, medical issues, and major behavioral issues. They really are trying their best at this SPCA to find the right homes for these animals because they know that if it's not in the right home it'll just end up in another shelter, possibly one that isn't a no-kill shelter. Just because they don't come out and say things negatively worded doesn't mean they're trying to be dishonest. In short, I love this place. I've volunteered at several animal shelters and this is probably the cleanest, largest, and one with the most personalized animal care. Come here! read more

They have great PR, but it is badly run. They have lots of volunteers but nobody is running the asylum. While they are no kill, it means they are overcrowded because they don't know how to properly run good adoption campaigns. And, so while they will take in strays, they will NOT help people who have give ups, or troubled pets. If you call and ask, they tell you you need an appointment, and then THEY NEVER EVER CALL YOU BACK. You fill out the paperwork, and NO CALL, ever. Because they don't have the space. Because they are poorly run, and incompetent. They take your tax dollars, and the head of the shelter is overpaid, (just try to find out how much!!) and refuses to hire good staff, relying instead on mostly volunteers, who never seem to know what to do. This place needs an overhaul. But by all means, keep the person who does the PR because the image and fundraising people are terrific. This place hauls it in, no doubt about it. I've known lots of shelters, and lots of rescue agencies. I've supported Best Friends and Alley Cat Allies for many years. This place could learn from them, but I suspect they are too busy making money for themselves to care. read more

It's a nice place. People are friendly. I don't think anyone is in charge here. Had my Malamute scheduled for her 3rd straight spay appointment here in the last month only to show up again and be told they can't do it today and they are sorry. Yet they took in the other dogs who were there after me. I live an hour away so that was a wasted 6 hours of driving total for my 3 cancelled on the spot appointments. One time sure I can understand things happen. 3 times in a row is absurd. I guess I have to find another SPCA that actually helps people with dogs...If anyone reads this is there another SPCA in the area that does not cancel appointments when you show up and will actually neuter your dog? One volunteer felt bad I kept getting the shaft from this place and came outside when I left and told me it happens all the time here. Also it looks like my dog will be having puppies again since I can't get her spayed. If anyone is interested in Malamute/Bernese puppies let me know it seems I will have a litter since my dogs can't get fixed here. read more

Great shelter. Got my precious kitty here 4 years ago, and I believe 2 of my dogs through their foster program. Staff is very friendly and you really get to spend time with the animals. They seem to really care about the animals. I remember going to the SPCA back in the day when it was in it's old, rinky dink building, so this new building seems to be a vast improvement. I've been to several animal shelters all across MD & VA & this has to be the best by far. read more