Whiskers & Tales 2025

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Whiskers & Tales 2025

WHERE COMMUNITY MEETS COMPASSION

The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA (CASPCA) is a nationally recognized leader in lifesaving animal sheltering, humane care, and community pet support As a crucial resource for our region, we provide shelter, medical care, and essential services to animals in need while strengthening the bond between pets and people.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we reflect on 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of our community, donors, volunteers, and staff who make our mission possible. This year has been one of growth, resilience, and incredible impact for the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA. Together, we have provided lifesaving care, found loving homes for thousands of animals, expanded our community outreach programs, and strengthened our commitment to creating a compassionate community where every animal thrives.

Through our shelter services, veterinary programs, and pet owner support initiatives, we have continued to be a lifeline for animals in need. Our highvolume spay/neuter and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) efforts have contributed to reducing pet overpopulation, while our adoption and foster programs have helped animals find second chances with loving families. Additionally, our Pet Pantry and community engagement efforts have provided critical resources to pet owners facing hardship, keeping more pets in their homes and out of shelters.

This work would not be possible without our dedicated team and the generosity of individuals like you. Your belief in ability to innovate, expand services, and provid care to the animals who depend on us.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to advancing animal welfare in our region and beyond We will continue advocating for the humane treatment of all animals, increasing access to veterinary care, and ensuring that every pet has the opportunity to live a healthy, happy life.

Thank you for being part of this journey Your support changes lives, and we are honored to have you by our side

MEET THE

TEAM

Guiding CASPCA’s mission is our powerhouse executive team women dedicated to transparency, sustainability and innovation

Leading the charge is:

Libby Jones Executive Director

alongside a dynamic group of directors shaping our future:

Taylor Reinson Director of Animal Operations

Heather Sullivan Director of Finance and Facility

Dr. Emily Beichel Director of Veterinary Services

Sara Stone Director of Advancement

Deborah Whalen Director of Human Resources and Retail Operations

Board of Directors

Jenn Corbey, Chair

Mike Derdeyn, Vice Chair

Joel Reich, Secretary

Olga Weider, Treasurer

Ty Grisham

Faye Brown

Ed Wolanski, MD, PC

Sandra Wang

Helen Dunn

James Frye

David Mrazik

2024 Annual Impact Highlights

Finding their way home

Last year, we helped 2,800+ pets find loving families, achieving a 96% live release rate

Life-Saving Care

Our team provided critical medical care to 329 animals in need through Compassionate Care Clinics

powered by community

13,000+ volunteer hours made a lasting impact on the lives of our animals, demonstrating the power of community action

Stratton

Keeping pets Healthy, together

Access to veterinary care shouldn’t be a privilege it should be a right That’s why the CASPCA Clinic continues to be a cornerstone of our commitment to keeping pets in their loving homes, and ensuring our shelter animals are healthy and adoption-ready.

Here’swhatweachievedin2024: Caspca Clinic:

4000+ spay/neuter procedures

300+ animals served

400+ pets microchipped and vaccinated

Your support keeps vital veterinary care within reach because every pet deserves a healthy, happy life. to reduce pet overpopulation through Compassionate Care Clinics alone through our monthly clinics, helping families protect their beloved companions

We're stronger together. With your help, we can upgrade our veterinary clinic to expand services offering more comprehensive care for shelter pets and more accessible, affordable veterinary options for pets in our community.

Faith’s Story:

A Journey of hope

"Faith’s journey is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of second chances."

Faith arrived at CASPCA on December 3rd, 2024 frail, flea-ridden, and barely holding on. With a body condition score of just 1/9, her matted fur and sunken eyes told a story of hardship. She had little energy and little hope but she wasn’t giving up.

With gentle care, nourishing meals, and the warmth of human kindness, Faith began to heal Within a month, she had gained 12 pounds, wagged her tail for the first time, and even found the confidence to play with her foster family’s dogs. Now, 20 pounds healthier and full of life, she has found the love and security she always deserved.

Faith’s journey is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of second chances. Her transformation was made possible by a community that refuses to turn away because together, we don’t just save lives. We change them.

THE HEART OF OUR MISSION

024, 361 new volunteers joined CASPCA family, contributing over 00+ hours of their time to support mals in need.

SPCA, volunteers are the heartbeat of thing we do.

From walking dogs to socializing cats, from bottle feeding kittens to sorting donations and assisting at our Rummage Store, each volunteer plays a vital role in keeping CASPCA running smoothly

Looking ahead to 2025, we invite you to be part of this incredible movement. whether you can commit to a few hours, a month, or dive in regularly, every bit of help makes a difference. join us, and let’s make an even greater impact— together!

Their dedication ensures that every pet receives the love, care, and enrichment they deserve while awaiting their second chance.

We are endlessly grateful to every individual who has stepped up to make a difference Your compassion fuels our mission, and together, we are creating a more humane, supportive, and loving community for animals and the people who care for them

EDUCATING THE NEXT GENERATION

CASPCA’s Youth Programming

Inspiring young minds today leads to a more compassionate future for animals and people That’s why we were thrilled to reintroduce children’s programming in 2024 after a multi-year hiatus and the impact has been incredible!

Our programs engage kids and teens through fun, hands-on experiences, teaching them about animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and advocacy

For younger children, partnerships with organizations like the Virginia Discovery Museum provide interactive lessons on animal behavior, safe handling, and pet care!

CA

For teens, we’ve partnered with the Charlottesville Area Youth Internship Program (CAYIP). This City of Charlottesville initiative connects local youth with meaningful internship experiences

As a CAYIP partner, CASPCA provides high school students with hands-on workplace experience at our Rummage Store, where they develop professional skills, contribute to our mission, and strengthen our community. Best of all, the CAYIP program fully funds intern stipends, ensuring that finances never stand in the way of participation

Y I P

Charlottesville Area Youth Internship Program

Beyond building practical skills, these programs help young people become advocates for animal welfare From elementary-age children learning about pet care to high school students gaining realworld experience, we are shaping a future where more people are engaged, informed, and ready to make a difference for animals in need

Your support makes this possible Together, we’re empowering the next generation to create a brighter future for both animals and our community!

Puppies, stars, & SPCA Magic

When community, compassion, and a little bit of star power come together, magic happens. Thanks to our valued partnership with John Paul Jones Arena, we’ve had the incredible opportunity to collect food donations, raise awareness, and spread joy all while rubbing paws with some big names in entertainment!

From meeting Kane Brown at his concert, to bringing adorable rescue pups backstage to Jelly Roll, Sabrina Carpenter and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, we loved giving these incredible artists a little pre-show relaxation in the best way possible puppy snuggles!

Relay Active, locally designed brand, I knew I e to be a central give 1% of all sales e every day! When brick and mortar ear shop + yoga rket in September as the perfect or ?! opportunity to ways that we animal rescue as sville community. putting on kitten adoptable kittens s and shelters his aspect of our good way to give back. In addition to a large portion of each class directly benefiting the shelter, we have had 13 kittens now adopted as a direct result of kitten yoga! Come do kitten yoga with us, and leave feeling really happy and maybe with a new furever friend too!

- Ann Mazur Founder, Runners Love Yoga & Relay Active and PhD English Literature, U of Virginia

For over 110 years, CASPCA has been a trusted pillar of compassion in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, providing care and refuge for animals in need. But as our community continues to grow, so do the needs of the pets and people who rely on us.

Our current facility, built in 2004, has served us well but at 30,639 square feet, it can no longer keep up with the demand for our services In 2024 alone, we invested over $137,000 in maintenance and repairs, working with 19 different providers just to keep things running Add to that more than $106,000 in utility costs, and it’s clear: the need for upgrades and expansion is urgent

Celebrating years of service 110

That’s why investing in facility improvements and establishing a dedicated capital fund are among our top priorities With your support, we can create a space that reflects the mission, innovation, and lifesaving work of CASPCA a facility designed not only to meet today’s needs but also to lay the foundation for the next 110 years of service

As we celebrate more than a century of saving lives, we invite you to help shape the future of animal welfare in our community.

Our caring tradition: Strengthening animal welfare in our community

We believe every life matters, and our commitment to saving lives and strengthening the bond between pets and people grows stronger every year

In 2024, we expanded our transfer partnerships, welcoming 1,217 animals from overcrowded shelters and giving them a second chance at the love and care they deserve

with their owners, and strengthened our pet retention efforts, providing vital resources like veterinary assistance, behavioral support, and private rehoming programs By offering these services, we’re reducing shelter intake and helping pets stay right where they belong safe and loved, with the families who cherish them

Every life saved, every family reunited, and every pet supported is made possible because of you our compassionate community of supporters, volunteers, and donors.

“Animals are such agreeable friends –they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.”
– George Eliot

What Drives Our Team?

MylesAdoptionTeam

“The most rewarding part of my job is bringing happiness to people and pets. Whether it’s helping a once-stray dog find their forever home or reuniting a lost pet with their owner, being part of those moments is incredibly fulfilling.”

“I love how our team works together there’s always support and a great mix of ideas. I’m especially proud of the open, positive culture we’re building, where everyone feels comfortable sharing thoughts and feedback. It’s a great environment for creativity and growth.”

SarahAnimalCareTeam

CieannaHumanResourcesTeam

“Who did I fall in love with in 2024? Brie Bella, the Rottie! She stole my heart! Well, and Franklin - who charmed us all!”

CASPCA’s Rummage Store

Isn’t just a thrift Shop— it’s a sustainability-driven initiative that funds lifesaving programs for animals in need

And let’s not forget our commitment to sustainability by donating and shopping second-hand, our community is reducing waste, supporting local initiatives, and making a difference for both the environment and animals in need

Thank you for donating, shopping, and spreading the word!

Together, we’re creating a more sustainable, compassionate community.

Every dollar spent at SPCA Rummage goes directly toward medical care, shelter upgrades, and essential services for homeless pets. Our impact extends beyond fundraising; the Rummage Store has become a true community hub, hosting: Family-friendly cookouts that bring neighbors together

A vibrant fashion show featuring thrifted outfits and local creativity Kitten adoption events that have helped place countless furry friends in loving homes

the power of TNR: Helping Cats and keeping our community healthy

Our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program helps cats live safely while reducing overpopulation. Since 2011, TNR has led to a 72% decrease in stray feline intake and in the past year alone, we’ve seen a 37% drop compared to 2023. It’s proof that real change happens when we work together!

In January, our Community Cat Manager helped a farm in Gordonsville by trapping 12 cats to be spayed, neutered and vaccinated. The farmers thought they were feeding just 10, but by following our best practices trapping for three days we safely caught two more, including an unaltered mating pair!

Thanks to our thorough work, the entire colony is now fully sterilized, preventing future litters The farmers are thrilled to have healthy, fixed cats managing pests without the worry of population growth. It’s a great reminder that patience and process make a lasting impact for animals and their caretakers!

by the numbers:

2024 TNR impact

1,072 total TNR surgeries

487 cats spayed/neutered in Charlottesville/Albemarle

585 cats spayed/neutered in surrounding communities

How you can help:

Spread the word CASPCA offers free spay/neuter services for free-roaming cats to prevent future litters!

Donate food TNR caretakers work hard to keep these cats safe and healthy Contributions of dry and canned cat food make a big difference

Every cat deserves a safe, humane life Thanks to this lifesaving program and our community’s support, we’re creating a future with fewer homeless cats and more protected lives.

WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN KEEP MORE PETS AT HOME, WHERE THEY BELONG.

Thanks to our philanthropic community, the CASPCA Pet Food Pantry has made a life-changing impact distributing over 36,000 pounds of pet food in 2024 alone, doubling the previous year’s impact!

But we know that families struggling with pet food insecurity often face other challenges as well, including difficulty accessing reliable transportation. That’s why we’ve partnered with Meals on Wheels to ensure that pet owners have access to food and essential resources for their beloved companions.

Our vision for the Pet Food Pantry goes beyond food assistance. We are working toward a full-scale pet retention initiative, increasing access to veterinary care, behavioral support, and other critical resources. This expansion will provide a lifeline to families in need, helping them keep their beloved pets regardless of financial barriers.

Thanks to Hill’s Food, Shelter, Love Program, we recently received a generous donation of almost 8,000 pounds of critical food to feed our community!

The pet food Pantry: feeding pets, supporting families

Meet our 2025 mascot, Junebug!

A Tiny Pup with a Huge Heart

Junebug’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Rescued from a large-scale breeding operation, this tiny Cairn Terrier mix faced overwhelming odds. She was taken in by local rescue Dogs Deserve Better, where their dedicated team quickly found her a foster home ready to support her special needs.

Junebug was soon diagnosed with a cerebellar malformation, which affects her balance and coordination causing her to wobble in circles and struggle to stand. But despite these challenges, Junebug’s spirit never wavered. She’s a fighter, and today, she’s thriving in her loving home In fact, her foster family fell head over heels for her and made it official by adopting her!

“Junebug’s spirit never wavered— She’s a fighter.”

We’re beyond excited to introduce Junebug as the official CASPCA Mascot for 2025! You’ll be seeing her sweet face leading the way on this year’s Bow-WOW-Walk event t-shirts, as she helps raise awareness and inspire our community to keep fighting for animals in need just like her. With her unbreakable spirit and heartwarming story, Junebug is the perfect ambassador to remind us all why every animal deserves a second chance and a loving home.

A reminder from Junebug:
No challenge is too big when you’re surrounded by love. Keep chasing joy, and always take time for a little spin!

Legislative Wins!

Virginia has made remarkable strides in animal welfare legislation this year, passing laws that enhance transparency in pet sales, strengthen enforcement against animal cruelty, and improve accountability across the pet industry. These victories mark a significant step toward a future where every animal is treated with care and dignity.

SB903 – Increased Transparency in Pet Sales

Pet shops must now maintain detailed records of an animal’s origin, health status, and breeder credentials Selling animals from unlicensed breeders in Virginia is now prohibited, helping to curb unethical breeding operations.

Use Your Voice: Advocate for stronger protections by supporting bills that promote animal welfare

Stay Informed: Follow updates on policies and legislation that impact animals in Virginia.

Make Responsible Choices:

Always adopt from shelters or thoroughly vet breeders before purchasing a pet

SB1051 / HB2313 – Stronger Animal Cruelty Enforcement

Grants animal control officers more authority to investigate and inspect boarding facilities. Enables officers to obtain warrants more easily in cases of suspected cruelty, allowing faster intervention when animals are at risk.

These victories are proof that our voices matter and with continued advocacy, we can build a future where all animals are safe, healthy, and valued.

WAYS TO MAKE ADIFFERENCE

Give a Tribute Gift:

Honor a beloved pet or people with a special donation that provides love and care to animals in need. A heartfelt way to celebrate, remember, and make a lasting impact.

Donate Your Vehicle:

Free up space in your garage and give animals a second chance! Your vehicle donation supports lifesaving programs at the SPCA.

Sponsor an Event:

Partner with us for one of our signature events! Sponsorship is a fantastic way to connect with the community, support animal welfare, and share your compassion in a big way.

Give a Gift That Lasts:

Consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA or designate CASPCA as a beneficiary in a financial account. Your generosity provides animals with the second chance they deserve.

Leave a Legacy of Love:

By including CASPCA in your will or trust, you ensure your love for animals continues for generations to come. A gift today means a brighter future for the animals who need us most.

Every act of kindness—big or small— helps save lives. Thank you for being part of our compassionate community.

Odyssey

3355 Berkmar Drive Charlottesville, VA 22901

(434) 973- 5959

Adoption Hours Daily: 12PM - 6PM CASPCA.ORG

SATURDAY,APRIL26,2025

Boar’s Head Resort | 9AM - 12PM

Lace Up, Leash Up, Make a Difference!

Whether you're running the 5K trail race or strolling with your pup, every step supports the life-saving work of the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA!

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