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Finding Forever Homes and Providing Low-Cost Veterinary Care
The Norfolk SPCA
"At the Norfolk SPCA, we like to remind people that animals may not be able to say, 'I love you,' but you can see it in their eyes. Adoption can be the start of a beautiful friendship," says Kimberly Sherlaw, executive director.
The Norfolk SPCA holds the distinction of being one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in the U.S. Founded in 1892 because of concerns about the mistreatment of working horses, the Norfolk SPCA now shelters, treats, rehabilitates, and finds forever homes for companion animals throughout Hampton Roads.
Reducing the need for sheltering animals is a key goal of the Norfolk SPCA with some innovative methods including:
- Education programs
- Counseling to keep pets with their families
- Partnerships with local shelters and animal control agencies
- Advocating for animal-friendly public policy
- Creating and maintaining a large network of foster parents who provide temporary homes
- Providing affordable veterinary services with an emphasis on spay/neuter
To address spay/neuter access, the Norfolk SPCA has opened the Community Spay/Neuter Clinic — a 3,000 square-foot clinic located on East Little Creek Road. "The new clinic gives us the capacity to perform more than 11,000 spay/neuter surgeries a year versus 6,000 in our previous space," says Kimberly. "Pet overpopulation is a persistent issue resulting in millions of animals being euthanized each year. By increasing the availability of low-cost spay/neuter surgeries at our new clinic, the Norfolk SPCA is making a foundational impact on the issue of overpopulation in our community."
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The clinic also offers low-cost vaccines and wellness exam services. "Our phones have been backlogged, especially during the pandemic, with concerned owners who want to ensure their pets remain healthy. Our new clinic significantly increases our capacity to provide access to these critical services at an affordable price," Kimberly says.
The Norfolk SPCA also is helping to educate the next generation of veterinary professionals. Through a partnership with Tidewater Community College's Veterinary Sciences program, the Norfolk SPCA will provide hands-on and observational experiences for students.
TowneBank is honored to make a three-year commitment to help fund the Community Spay/Neuter Clinic. Executive vice president Kathy Ferebee has worked closely with the Norfolk SPCA over the years and is an ardent animal lover. For more information on the new clinic and to see photos of adorable pets available for adoption, visit NorfolkSPCA.org.
"The new clinic gives us the capacity to perform more than 11,000 spay/neuter surgeries a year versus 6,000 in our previous space."