Compassion in Action: November 2025
The holiday season often brings feelings of gratitude, a desire to give back, and a deep sense of community. We see this first-hand each year as generous donors step forward, compassionate fosters welcome pets into their homes for the holidays, and our humane center is decorated to bring joy to both our staff and the pets in our care.
Bringing a pet home for the holidays can make a meaningful difference. For homeless pets, it provides a much-needed break from shelter life and a chance to grow and thrive in a home environment. It’s also a time when many families are home from school or taking extended breaks from work, offering more availability to care for a foster pet. In November, 68 pets enjoyed time in foster care. Nineteen were adult dogs, the most adult dogs we’ve placed in foster care in any month for more than half a year. For our senior dogs especially, a home for the holidays is the best gift they can receive. It takes a truly compassionate individual to open their home temporarily, and we are grateful for every foster family this season and all year long.
The holidays are also a time for festivities, and the Richmond SPCA finds joy in opportunities to bring people together. On November 22, we hosted our second annual Howilday Market, where our training center was transformed into a magical holiday experience. Guests browsed and shopped from a variety of local vendors offering baked goods, candles, jewelry, spirit tastings, and more. Furry friends were encouraged to attend, and for a $25 donation to the Richmond SPCA, attendees could have holiday photos taken with their pets, families, or friends. Howliday Market is quickly becoming a holiday tradition, and we cannot wait to see everyone again next year.
We wish you and your furry friends a healthy, happy holiday. Your compassion and dedication to our organization is inspiring.
78,734 lives saved since becoming no-kill in 2002
Data visualization by Laura Roose and photos by Amara, a Richmond SPCA photography volunteer.
