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ROANOKE VALLEY SPCA

Pick Of The Litter: Kitty

Yes, that is her actual name. She’s very vocal, and she vocalizes in a grumbly fashion. Sometimes she growls and hisses, but that mostly happens when you’re not giving her the attention she wants. It can also sometimes occur when you’re giving her too much attention. She will let you know what she wants and when she wants it, and she’ll be sure to teach you all of her rules. If you’re spending time with her, she LOVES to get in your lap and roll around receiving pets. But if you go to put her down, she will likely grumble. If you’re ready for a cat to dominate your life, Kitty may very well be the kitty for you!

One dog dead, one missing after three-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 in Roanoke County

ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – The Roanoke Valley SPCA is asking for your help in looking for a missing dog following a deadly crash in Roanoke County Monday evening. The deadly Interstate 81 crash that took the life of a Pennsylvania man also killed a pet dog while another is missing, according to the animal shelter. Roanoke Valley SPCA said the dog’s name is Emmie. If you see her, officials ask you to contact Zach at 205-306-9921.

Roanoke Valley SPCA expands annual fundraiser to help more pets in need

ROANOKE, Va. – It’s time to put your paws to the pavement for the Roanoke Valley SPCA. The organization’s Virtual Tail Chaser Challenge is officially underway and runs through March 27. The annual fundraiser has more options for you to participate this year as you can walk, run a 5K, 10K, half marathon or full marathon, or even bike 25, 50 or 100 miles. The goal is to raise $50,000 and all money raised supports pets in need in our community. Click here to register and learn more about the event.

Roanoke Valley SPCA looking for ‘unicorn’ fosters for animals

ROANOKE, Va. – The Roanoke Valley SPCA needs ‘unicorn’ fosters to help shelter animals put their best paw forward. A “unicorn” foster is an individual or family without small kids or other pets. That’s typically the best environment for shy animals, ones with behavioral issues or really large animals who might knock small children over accidentally. Shelter employees said those fosters really make a huge difference for the animals. If you’re interested in becoming a foster, just contact the Roanoke Valley SPCA.

Foster families needed for pets this holiday season

ROANOKE, Va. – If a pandemic holiday season is making you feel a little blue, a furry friend might bring some warmth and love to your home this winter. Eight dogs and 18 cats are available for short-term fostering at the Roanoke Valley SPCA. This gives some time for the shelter workers to take a break and for animals to decompress. “The shelter is not always the best place or the most fun place for the pets that are here,” said Roanoke Valley SPCA Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement Suzanne Creswell. If we have fearful pets they can get more fearful.”If you would like to show a pet some love you can fill out the application to be a foster parent.

Jordan’s Way social media star hopes to raise $25,000 for Roanoke Valley SPCA during visit

ROANOKE, Va. – A viral star with a passion for rescuing shelter pets visited the Roanoke Valley SPCA Thursday night for a fundraiser. Kris Rotonda of Jordan’s Way grew social media fame after spending 72 hours sleeping in an animal shelter. In his new initiative, Rotonda is visiting every state in the U.S. to raise money and awareness for homeless and unwanted pets, and his first stop in Virginia will be the Roanoke Valley SPCA. “We are thrilled to be chosen as one of only five shelters featured from the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Denise Hayes, chief executive officer of the Roanoke Valley SPCA. He has seven more shelters in Virginia to visit.

Roanoke Valley SPCA raises nearly $25,000 for Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center

ROANOKE, Va. – A local wildlife center, that’s usually the one to swoop in and save the day, is now the one getting rescued by another animal-loving nonprofit. The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke relies on donations to take care of the hundreds of animals they work to save each year. The Roanoke Valley SPCA stepped in and helped them take their silent auction online and they raised $23,000. “It’s really heartwarming to see,” said Sabrina Garvin, Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center. The center has 200 more patients compared to this time last year, so the donation will go a long way.

RVSPCA works to ensure no pet goes hungry with first-ever drive-thru food pantry

For the first time, the Roanoke Valley SPCA held a drive-thru pet food pantry. “We are able to provide this assistance because of a generous gift left to the Roanoke Valley SPCA by long-time friend, Dorothy Hannaford,” said Hayes. The pet food pantry is also available to individuals at the shelter. Roanoke Valley SPCA Dot's Drive-Thru (Copyright 2020 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.) The Roanoke Valley SPCA is participating in an adoption event and golf tournament at the Blue Hills golf club in Roanoke.

First Team Subaru will donate to Roanoke Valley SPCA for every October pet adoption

ROANOKE, Va. – First Team Subaru is helping shelter animals find forever homes in a new way this year. Its annual pet adoption event will look much different because of COVID-19. Instead of a one day event, they’re teaming up with the Roanoke Valley SPCA all month long to help animals find loving homes with the “Adopt a Dog a Day” initiative. For every pet adopted this month, First Team Subaru will donate $100 to the Roanoke Valley SPCA, up to $3,100. Click here to learn more about the initiative.

Roanoke Valley SPCA to begin monthly pet food pantry

ROANOKE, Va. – This local shelter knows that pets have to eat too, even though the coronavirus pandemic has left many families in a financial bind. The Roanoke Valley SPCA announced they will have a monthly drive-thru pet food pantry to help those in the community. It will take place at the Roanoke Valley SPACA parking lot on the second Sunday of each month from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Staff and volunteers will ask for basic information on your pet and put food in the back seat or trunk. The first event will be on Sunday, Oct. 11 in the shelter parking lot.

Roanoke wildlife center using virtual auction to raise money

ROANOKE, Va. – The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke is holding its first-ever online auction. That’s when the Roanoke Valley SPCA stepped in to help by allowing the Wildlife Center to use the online auction platform that it uses for its own charity auctions. The money raised during this virtual event allows the center to continue to care for animals. “It helps us feed, medicate, buy the medication we always have equipment that needs repairs, but it’s basically putting food into the animals and the care that they get, said Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center Sabrina Garvin. The nonprofit relies on donations and although the pandemic has shut down businesses across Southwest Virginia, the center is busier than ever.

New Virginia law makes it illegal to tether dogs in extreme heat

ROANOKE, Va – A new Virginia law requires all dogs must be given adequate shelter during extremely hot weather. The Roanoke Valley SPCA said with temperatures nearing 100 degrees almost daily, pet owners need to be more vigilant than ever. “If you are walking an animal outside, there are some things to look out for, like excessive panting or drooling, those are all signs that maybe the animal is starting to get overheated. In addition, especially walking dogs, you have to watch about walking them on paved surfaces,” explained Roanoke Valley SPCA Communications Manager Julie Rickmond. The RVSPCA encourages anyone who may see an animal outside in extreme heat to call their local animal control office.