- Why do our puppies need to be sent to another State?
- The Southside SPCA is committed to adopting out animals that are neutered. 100% of cats and dogs from our shelter are spayed or neutered in an effort to decrease unwanted litters. Since juvenile neutering (also called "early neutering") is not done by vets in our area, we need to transport the puppies to a place where they can be neutered young, and also where there is more demand for puppies. This also gives our adult dogs a chance to be adopted into a loving home. And remember, a puppy will be an adult in just six months.
- How can I surrender a pet?
- Southside SPCA cannot possibly accept every unwanted dog or cat that shows up at our doors. However, Animal Control in your county will accept any unwanted pet. We visit the 12 county animal controls regularly, and sadly, 75% of the animals do not find homes. The animal control officers in our service area are grateful for every dog, puppy, cat, and kitten we can accept from them. Southside SPCA is devoted to helping pet owners to keep their pets through education and assistance whenever possible. Please contact the shelter to make arrangements if you need assistance and we will try to help when possible.
- Why should I spay or neuter?
- Spaying and neutering your pet is the responsible thing to do! You can help solve the problem of pet overpopulation. The result of pet overpopulation is suffering, starvation, abuse, diseases, injuries, fear, neglect, homelessness and finally the deaths of millions of adoptable, healthy dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. There are many benefits to spaying or neutering including a healthier and happier pet. Learn more about how neutering your pet is good for their health and the community too!
- Where is the Southside SPCA shelter?
- Our facilities are located on Route 360 in Meherrin, approximately 65 miles West of Richmond, 9 miles East of Keysville, 70 miles East of Lynchburg, and 60 miles South of Charlottesville. The physical address is 7352 Patrick Henry Highway, Meherrin.
- What hours are the Southside SPCA open?
- Southside SPCA is open by appointment only at this time. Contact the shelter to arrange a visit.
- What Counties does Southside SPCA serve?
- Southside SPCA serves 12 counties: Appomattox, Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway and Prince Edward
- Does the Southside SPCA offer low-cost spay and neutering services?
- Yes. Spay/neuter is provided by caring veterinarians such as Dr. Edda Eliasson in Amelia, and Dr. William Will in Halifax. We are also currently raising funds so we can install the required medical equipment in our new facility. Several other organizations offer low-cost spay and neutering.
- Does the Southside SPCA have speakers who can come to my club, church or school to talk about responsible pet care?
- Yes! Contact us and let us know when your group meets. One of our volunteer team will make arrangements with you to speak to your group. This is a free service, however donations are encouraged.
- How can I help the Southside SPCA?
- Help is always needed! Whether you donate time, talents or money, the Southside SPCA NEEDS YOU! You can volunteer your time to help with adoption stands, walk the dogs, mailings, at the Tail Waggers Thrift Store, fundraising, serve on committees, or many other ways. Here are some ideas:
- Hold a yard sale and donate the proceeds.
- Request donations for the shelter instead of gifts for Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries or other special occasions.
- Throw a party and ask for donations to give to the shelter.
- Donate goods or hand-made articles to the Thrift Store.
- Sign up to be on our Speakers Bureau, and help educate others.
- At work, church or school, gather donations of dog and cat food, collars, and other much needed supplies.
Please visit How to Help for ways to help us help the animals! - How many animals are helped by the Southside SPCA?
- Since 1975, more than 36,000 dogs and cats have been saved through our shelter! In 2005 - 06, funds donated to Southside SPCA paid to have over 600 dogs/cats spayed/neutered, and more than 550 dogs/cats/kittens were adopted to responsible homes in Virginia, MD, and NC. In the same period:
- More than 200 animals were transferred to breed rescue groups or other non-euthanizing groups for adoption.
- More than 1900 dogs/puppies/kittens were transferred to 100% spay/neuter shelters out of state for adoption to responsible homes.
- Hundreds of puppies were transported by our van for other rescue groups and foster homes.
- Are donations tax-deductable?
- Yes, to the extent of the tax laws. Southside SPCA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Also, because of our many volunteers, we are exceptionally efficient with every dollar you donate. Please also check with your employee to see if they will match your gift.
- Does the Southside SPCA receive funding from the American SPCA?
- No. The Southside SPCA receives no funding from the American SPCA or any other national organization. All of our programs are funded by donations, adoption fees, and proceeds from the thrift store Tail Waggers (located in Keysville, VA). Please consider making a difference right here in Southside Virginia by supporting your local SPCA -- Southside SPCA!
- Does the Southside SPCA take animals other than dogs and cats?
- No. Our facilities are designed for dogs and cats. Please search for a rescue devoted to the animal species in question. www.petfinder.com is a good starting point.
- Why doesn't Southside SPCA adopt puppies?
- Currently, we do not have enough funds to immunize, spay/neuter, and care for hundreds of puppies. We also don't have enough volunteers to work at adoption stands, conduct home checks, and follow up on hundreds of puppy adoptions. Please consider adopting an adult dog. We often have young dogs (1 year old and younger) that will make terrific additions to your family. Whatever you do, please do not buy a dog from a puppy mill!
- Why should I consider adopting an adult dog or cat?
- There are many benefits to adopting an adult pet!
- With an adult, you know what you’re getting; the personality has been formed and is right there to see.
- Puppies and kittens demand much more time and require more frequent visits to the vet to complete their vaccinations.
- Adults can go longer periods of time without having to use the bathroom, so are generally easier to housebreak. Also, many adult dogs are already housebroken!
- Adults respond to training techniques more rapidly.
- Adult pets are able to control their urges to misbehave better than younger pets, and adult dogs are much less likely to chew your shoes!
- In most cases, adults are easier to integrate into a busy family.
- Small children are often overwhelmed by a jumping, chewing puppy and scratching, pouncing kitten.
- Families with children often have the misconception that children and pets should grow up together. The most valuable lesson pets provide are unconditional love and friendship. Children can more readily bond with a pet that they feel in control of, and that they can help care for. Adult pets will accept children as higher in the pecking order of the “pack” (dogs) or “colony” (cats), whereas younger pets see them as equals - playmates to dominate and taunt.
- When you adopt an adult dog or cat from the Southside SPCA, they have already been checked by a vet and spayed or neutered.
- What if I have found a stray animal, or a family member can no longer take care of their pet. Does the Southside SPCA take homeless pets?
- Contact your local Animal Control to report stray animals, and follow the guidelines given. The pet's owners may be looking for them.
Phone numbers for the County Animal Control and Pounds in the Southside SPCA service area:
Amelia County Animal Control 804-561-3878 | email Appomattox County Animal Control 434-352-7922 Brunswick County Animal Control 434-848-0912 Buckingham County Animal Control 434-969-4242 Charlotte County Animal Control 434-542-5117 Cumberland County Animal Pound 804-492-3076 Dinwiddie County Animal Shelter 804-469-4547 Halifax County Animal Shelter 434-572-4292 | email Lunenburg County Pound 434-696-4452 Mecklenburg County Animal Control 434-738-6191 Nottoway County Animal Control 434-645-8696 Prince Edward County Animal Control 434-223-7310 or
434-392-8837 - Is there a problem with pet overpopulation in my area?
- Yes - Virginia has a severe pet overpopulation problem! Please don't contribute to pet overpopulation!
An unacceptable number of animals are put to death each year in the United States and in Virginia. Approximately 10-12 million cats and dogs will end up in animal shelters this year, and only 25-30 percent will be reclaimed or find new homes. Nearly 8 million will be put to death, even though many of these are loving, innocent, and adoptable animals. Every litter of puppies or kittens born contributes to these statistics because there are not enough homes and too many animals.
Solutions:- Limit the number being born until there are homes for all.
- Encourage friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, anyone with unaltered pets to have them sterilized.
- Provide affordable spay and neuter services by caring veterinarians.
- Adopt pets from animal shelters
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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