How We Save Lives
Veterinary
Prevention and early detection of health concerns is one of the most important things we do at Nelson SPCA. Each animal we receive gets a health assessment by trained personnel at intake to check for signs of infectious disease or problems that require emergency medical care. We provide vaccination, parasite control, proper nutrition, and other preventative care to all our pets. If a dog or cat needs specialized treatment, we work with local veterinarians.
We also have the “Help To Heal” fund for those special high cost treatments. Through it, our donors have saved countless lives. Learn more or give to our Help To Heal Fund today.
Programs
While it’s impossible for us to give each animal the type of time and attention they deserve, we do our best to make sure our animals have as enriching a life as possible. We provide basic training — but could always use some more! — test them for sociability, and just get them out of the shelter and around other people and dogs as much as we can.
Sadly, animal shelters can be stressful places, so nothing beats a home. Thankfully, our fosters always go above and beyond taking pets into their homes to make sure animals are as happy and healthy as can be while learning the ins and outs of living in a home.
Consider volunteering and join our team. We’re always seeking folks who can work with and help train our animals and their potential fosters/adopters to help ensure a successful experience for everyone!
Pet
Pet adoption is at the heart of how we save lives. Through our adoption process, we get to know people better, including their pet history and preferences. This allows us to facilitate finding the best match and place animals in the loving homes they deserve.
Learn more about our Adoption Process and submit your Adoption Application today.
Community Outreach and Education
Our shelter is a part of the Nelson community. We love to bring our dogs to music festivals, and adoption events at breweries and wineries, farmers markets, and fairs throughout the area. Not only is it a good chance for the community to meet our dogs, but it gives our dogs the opportunity to escape the shelter for a few hours, meet new people, lay in the sun, and take in some bluegrass.
We’re always looking for volunteer dog handlers to help us out at these events. Nothing going on? Ask us about taking a pup out for the day. Dogs love a good winery!
Animal Transport Program
Humane Society/SPCA of Nelson County is part of a growing network of rural shelters that transports dogs and cats to “high-demand” shelters. No effort has had a greater impact on our shelter than this program. Each year, we send about half of the dogs and cats that come through our doors to urban and suburban shelters throughout the country. More chances for adoption mean more happy endings — and that’s a win for everyone!
Special Programs
From the start, we have been the “Little Shelter That Can,” priding ourselves on finding any way to save and improve the lives of homeless dogs and cats in our community. Here is a quick run-down of what we currently do:
- Oversee a Foster Care Network that expands the shelter’s capacity and provides temporary homes.
- Secure Help to Heal Funds to sponsor otherwise cost-prohibitive medical treatment for adoptable animals.
- Provide Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Clinics for the pets of Nelson Residents.
- Run a Veteran’s Pet Adoption Program through our partnerships with Coming Home Well and Gratitude Charlottesville.
- Oversee a Trap Neuter Return (TNR) program that enhances the health and reduces the population of stray cats in our county.
- Manage an Animal Transport Program that places the dogs and cats of Nelson County into other low-kill shelters in high-adoption areas.
Promote and take part in Community Outreach Events that let Nelson County meet our dogs.
How You Can Help
Your support keeps our mission alive. Join us in making a difference in the lives of Nelson County’s dogs and cats.
- Donating: We rely entirely on the generosity of donors like you. Your donations help provide items neeeded, cover our expenses, and ensure our furry friends have food and supplies.
- Volunteering: Our dedicated staff keeps our animals safe, but it’s our volunteers who truly make us shine. From fostering animals to keeping them clean, going on walks, and simply providing love — our volunteers are the heart of our shelter.
- Spreading the Word: Help us spread awareness by sharing information and attending our local events. Come meet us, lend a hand, and be a part of our community.
Be a Lifeline for Nelson County’s Dogs and Cats
Your continued support is the lifeblood of our mission, fueling our efforts to make a tangible impact in the lives of Nelson County’s beloved dogs and cats. We invite you to stand alongside us and become a part of our journey.