Spay Virginia is a program of the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies that brings together private and municipal shelters, rescue groups, local governments, and veterinarians to address the problems of pet overpopulation and the abundance of unwanted dogs and cats in the Commonwealth. These groups work with the Spay Virginia Director to address the needs in each region, identify existing services and resources, expand established working relationships, and review demographics. After evaluating all of these areas, a specialized plan is created for each region.

Implementing a statewide plan hopefully will reduce and eliminate the need to euthanize healthy, adoptable animals. By creating an umbrella for the groups in each region, we can establish continuity across the state and monitor needs, programs, and results in a more precise and efficient manner. We can also strengthen existing outreach programs and establish new ones.

The Virginia Federation of Humane Societies has been the leader in the animal welfare movement in Virginia since 1959. The Federation assists and advises the animal welfare organizations of Virginia, provides education toanimal welfare workers and animal control officers, assists and encourages the establishment of new animal welfare organizations, and furthers the mission of eliminating animal cruelty and pet overpopulation within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Visit them at www.vfhs.org