The Richmond SPCA, founded in 1891, is central Virginia's oldest full-service humane society. Each year the organization serves more than 18,000 pets across the community in its shelter, veterinary hospital, spay and neuter clinic, training programs and pet retention services. Since becoming no-kill in 2022, the Richmond SPCA has found loving adoptive homes for more than 71,800 dogs and cats.
Mission and Vision
To cultivate a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives, we provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community.
Adoption Policy
We practice open adoptions, utilizing a conversation-based counseling process that emphasizes helping families find a suitable match and providing education and resources to help them be the best guardians for their animal companions.
https://richmondspca.org/dogs
Testimonials
See all testimonials"Adopted two of the absolute loves of my life from the Richmond SPCA. They have open adoptions and worked to make sure that our dogs were great matches for my family. They also have great training and behavior services which we've used to keep our dogs happy and balanced."
— carol a.
Adoptee
"The Richmond SPCA in Richmond, Virginia is by far the best place to adopt a pet. We got our Max just 4 years ago, just as the Covid lock down began. Best choice for us"
— debbie t.
Adoptee, Fan
"The Richmond SPCA rescues and rehabilitates more than 4000 homeless animals each year and delivers crucial programs to help pets and the people who love them. I’ve adopted five wonderful companions from this wonderful organization, and each one has brought immense joy to my life. Its staff and volunteers are deeply devoted, compassionate and caring, and I’m grateful for the lives they save and enrich every day."
— tamsen k.
Adoptee, Staff member, Supporter, Fan
"i have had nothing but the most pleasure here. i got the dog of my life, she came with a rough past and the spca helped me every step of the way to get her healthy and happy. my underweight abused pitty is now a smiley forehead kissing service dog. i could not recommend enough."
— zack d.
Adoptee
"The Richmond SPCA is the best shelter to adopt from. I adopted my very best furry friend from there and loved working there for 36 years. My fellow workers were the best as well as the executive director Robin Starr.B"
— brenda n.
Adoptee, Staff member, Fan
"I have been a volunteer, supporter and donor to the Richmond SPCA for decades. Tbey are the most devoted, committed and professional rescue organization I have ever dealt with. We are so lucky to have them. They kept their doors open(safely)during Covid and never lost aight of their mission."
— margaret d.
Supporter
"The Richmond SPCA takes overflow from surrounding shelters when the need arises — it’s really a shelters’ shelter. And I am so grateful. It provides veterinary and wraparound services to make the best of every possible adoption and I should know. Two of my best friends came from far parts of Virginia and I met them there. Thank you to the Richmond SPCA for bringing Walton and Miss Milly to me and for the care you provided right away."
— elizabeth k.
Adoptee
"I am actually a retired staff member. The Richmond SPCA has done amazing work in Virginia for many years. It takes in mostly animals that are sick or injured and needing veterinary care. It has a very large and dedicated in house vet staff and they treat and rehabilitate the sick and injured pets who would otherwise be likely to lose their lives in public shelters due to their health issues. The Richmond SPCA staff and volunteers are deeply dedicated and hard working. They take in the most challenging animals and care for them until a loving home is found since the organization is no kill."
— robin r.
Adoptee, Staff member
"I have volunteered with the Richmond SPCA for over 10 years, everyone is so dedicated to the animals. The Richmond SPCA has been no-kill for over 20 years. Friends ask how I can volunteer and not feel sorry for the animals, of course I want to take every dog/cat/rabbit home but I know that every animals gets so much love from the staff and volunteers. Several years ago there was a dog who had been in the shelter for nine years (she had trust issues), she was finally adopted by a man who was determined to gain her trust, she spent the rest of her life with a loving owner. When my Rat Terrier died I adopted my Chihuahua, Charlie Grace from the Richmond SPCA, she is a total joy and volunteers with me when I work the front reception desk and some of the off-site activities. I am proud to say I volunteer for the Richmond SPCA"
— linda m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"Working at the SPCA has truly saved my life. I look forward every weekend to working with my amazing fellow staff members and making a true difference in our community. We put the animals in our care first every single day. I cannot imagine working anywhere else with anyone else."
— lexi d.
Staff member
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David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
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