Since 1999, our Paws for Health volunteers and their pets have been bringing comfort and companionship to local hospitals, nursing homes, and retirement communities in the Richmond area. Although the pandemic in 2020 forced us to pause this beloved program, it relaunched in 2025 with plans to expand the sites we visit to include workplaces, schools, and other community spaces. 

Our Paws in the Community volunteers receive specialized training to take shelter pets on visits to workplaces, schools, and other community spaces. These outings offer the public the joy of animal companionship, give shelter pets a break from shelter life, and raise awareness about pets in need.

Volunteers must be 16 or older to participate in this program and must be a member of our general volunteer program. Learn more about our volunteer program, its requirements, and how to join.

Thanks so much for your interest in our pet visitation programs! We’d love to hear more about your interest in the form below. To accommodate your request, we kindly ask for a minimum of two weeks’ notice for the desired date(s) of visitation.