Bark Radio

Robin Starr, CEO of the Richmond SPCA, sat down recently with Dee and Terry to talk about the many this amazing no-kill facility. Robin shares with our listeners the details of Project Safety Net – a group of programs designed to improve the lives of pets in our community and keep them in loving homes.

• Wellness clinics take place at the Richmond SPCA’s Robins-Starr Humane Center, located at 2519 Hermitage Road. The fee is $20 per animal and includes a wellness exam. Low-cost preventative vaccinations and medications may also be purchased at the time of your appointment. Starting Monday, October 5, 2009 hours are every Monday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Appointments are required. 
• The Pet Pantry is for Greater Richmond area individuals and families (residents of the City of Richmond or the counties of Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield and Goochland) who are unable to feed their pets. The Richmond SPCA will assist by providing temporary pet food assistance. This service is being offered to households in need of short-term help with the cost of food (for their owned animals) .
• Share-a-Pet.Volunteers bring the love and warmth of animals from the Robins-Starr Humane Center to residents of retirement and convalescent homes.
• Paws for Health. Richmond SPCA volunteers and their carefully screened pets visit local hospitals, nursing homes and retirement communities.
• Pets on Wheels. Elderly and/or disabled clients of the local Meals on Wheels program are provided adult cats as companion animals. They pay no adoption fee. They are asked only to love and care for the animal as long as they are able. Meals on Wheels delivers the pet’s food. Litter and other supplies are provided by the Richmond SPCA. Necessary shots, any required medications and other veterinary care are administered by Richmond SPCA staff. Generous contributions make it possible for the Richmond SPCA to take care of all these services at no charge to the client. It is well known that people with pets live happier and longer lives. This program is a wonderful opportunity to give a loving home to a pet who needs one and in return receive the love and companionship that a treasured pet can provide.
• Sheltering Animals for Abused Families (SAAF). Often a fear of leaving a pet behind in an abusive situation keeps abused women and families from seeking help. In collaboration with the Richmond YWCA and Safe Harbor, the Richmond SPCA shelters pets of women and families who leave situations of domestic abuse. The acronym stands for “Sheltering Animals for Abused Families.”
• Seniors for Seniors is a cat adoption program that unites seniors living in pet-friendly retirement communities with senior cats who will provide them with years of wonderful companionship. Adults living in Richmond-area, pet-friendly retirement communities may contact the Richmond SPCA’s adoption manager at 804-521-1315 to learn more about this program.