Our commitment to pets does not end at adoption

The Richmond SPCA’s work for a no-kill Virginia doesn’t end for the pets in our care when their new guardians ring the adoption bell in our lobby. In fact, it’s only the beginning in our work to combat pet homelessness and suffering.

In 2016, we opened our Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital right next door to our humane center to ensure that pets all over the Richmond community have access to affordable and lifesaving veterinary care. Our hospital is the only charitably operated veterinary hospital in the state of Virginia, which means that we rely on the generosity of supporters like you to keep our lifesaving mission a reality.

What you may not know is that the Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital operates at a deficit, meaning we have never intended to make a profit from providing veterinary care to owned pets in our community. The cost to operate the hospital and the value of the services delivered far exceeds what clients are charged for those services. Our goal is not revenue but to make sure that loving pet guardians do not have to choose between the health of their pets and surrendering them to a shelter.

Beloved pets of families of modest means are heartbreakingly surrendered to shelters each and every year simply because their guardians lack the money to pay for their necessary—yet often cost-prohibitive—treatment. We know that shelter diversion is central in our fight against pet homelessness. Affordable, ongoing care is a must. Our commitment to the animals in our community does not end at adoption.

Every day, the Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital provides top-notch care, all the while ensuring that our four-legged patients are able to stay in their loving homes. This is all thanks to our low-cost services, and our community’s support.

Experiencing the love of an animal companion should not be a privilege reserved only for the wealthy. Your generosity makes affordable, high-quality care in our veterinary hospital possible. Your contribution saves lives, and keeps families together.