Five things to know before you go to Clear the Shelters
This Saturday, August 17, the Richmond SPCA will be participating in the nationwide Clear the Shelters adoption event. An idea that began in the Dallas/Fort Worth area in 2014 has spread across the country with the help of NBC Universal and local affiliates like NBC12.
The Richmond SPCA has been participating in Clear the Shelters since 2015. We will again waive adoption fees for all pets available at our humane center on August 17. Clear the Shelters is by far our largest single day of adoptions each year. We’re planning for an incredible day of lifesaving and want to help you plan your visit to our humane center.
Adopting during Clear the Shelters
- Arrive early
Adoption hours on August 17 are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Arrive early and come prepared with a government-issued photo ID. If your current address is not listed on your identification, please bring a piece of mail such as a utility bill to confirm your residence. - Cat or dog?
Due to the volume of traffic on this busy day, we will have two waiting lists so that our adoption counselors can help visitors in the order they arrive. Determine in advance whether you are interested in visiting with a cat or a dog. Please sign up on the waiting list before browsing the adoption center. Learn more about our adoption process. - Safe travels
Each cat or kitten must go home with an appropriate carrier, and every dog or puppy must have suitable walking equipment (typically a collar and leash, though for some dogs a harness or Gentle Leader may be required). We have a great selection in our Lora Robins Gift Shop, and staff who can ensure a good fit for your new companion. All proceeds in our gift shop support our homeless animals. - Involve the family
If you have children in your home, please bring them with you to meet the pet you are considering adding to your family. Some of our dogs are also required to meet any resident dogs in the home prior to adoption. Please bring your current dog(s) with you, and our staff will handle the introductions. We ask that dogs wait in our main lobby or outdoors until it’s time to meet their possible new friend. - Consider the savings
Since adoption fees are waived for Clear the Shelters, you’ll be saving $95 to $175 when you take home a new companion. There are several ways you might use those savings:
- Stock up on preventative medications for heartworms (dogs) and flea and ticks (cats and dogs), which are recommended for pets year-round in our climate.
- Sign your new dog up for a training class.
- Spoil your new friend with toys, treats and more from our Lora Robins Gift Shop.
- Save for future veterinary expenses. By adopting a pet from the Richmond SPCA, you’ll qualify to use our Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital, which provides affordable, high-quality care, so your dollars will go farther in keeping your pet happy and healthy.
- Pay it forward by making a donation to help us save another life of a pet in need. This makes Clear the Shelters truly lifesaving—each pet who goes home makes room for us to take in another homeless pet from a government shelter.
Let #RVA know that you’ve adopted a new best friend during #CleartheShelters and be sure to tag both @RichmondSPCA and @NBC12.
Tune in this Friday evening to NBC12 at 4, 4:30, 5, 5:30 and 6 p.m. and Saturday morning at 9 a.m. for a preview of some of the precious pets who will be available for adoption during Clear the Shelters.
