Compassion in Action: February 2025

We spent February celebrating love for companion animals and all the people who make “Compassion Unleashed” a reality across our community. That included a tremendous day of sterilization and vaccine delivery for free-roaming unowned cats and a recognition of Virginia’s progress toward no-kill at the General Assembly. Check out many more of the month’s milestones in the graphics below. 

On February 8, our Smoky’s Spay & Neuter Clinic and Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital staff teamed up with doctor’s and support personnel from Banfield Pet Hospital to deliver our largest-ever day of Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate Return. Experienced trappers and caretakers brought 128 cats in humane traps for sterilization and vaccination against rabies so they could be returned to their colonies while ending the cycle of reproduction. 

Valentine’s Day was filled with puppy love at Virginia’s General Assembly. We joined with Best Friends Animal Society to recognize the lifesaving accomplishments of more than 80 animal shelters that were no-kill in 2024 — that’s more than half of shelters in the state! 

Recurring monthly gifts from our Pet Pals donors ensure we are prepared to say “yes” to the next pet or person in need of help. A small monthly gift adds up over the course of the year, equipping us to shelter, treat, train and more. Join the Pet Pal ranks today to help save lives every month!

75,439 lives saved since becoming no-kill in 2002

Data visualization by Laura Roose. Photos by Tabitha Treloar and Vanessa Gleiser.