Frequently Asked Questions

Shelter Services & Functions

What services does the R-H SPCA provide for our community?

• Pet Adoption
• Protection and Housing of Stray Pets
• Lost & Found Reporting
• Responsible Pet Care Promotion and Resources
• Emergency Quartering
• Emergency Response Team: CART
• Spay/Neuter Incentive Programs
• Assistance in Cruelty Investigations
• Humane Education Programs
• Pet Training Classes
• Court Hold
• Bite Quarantine
• Cremation Services

How does the R-H SPCA function?

• Open Admission
• Stray Impoundment and Partnership with Animal Control
• Lost & Found Pet Reporting
• Re-homing/Owner Relinquishment
• Owner-Requested Euthanasia

​General Questions

• What’s the difference between an “open admission” animal shelter and a “no-kill” shelter?
• What’s the difference between the R-H SPCA and the ASPCA?
• What strategies does the R-H SPCA employ to reduce euthanasia?
• How does the R-H SPCA determine if a pet is fit for adoption?
• Does the R-H SPCA euthanize ALL pit bulls, German shepherds, or other dogs stereotyped as dangerous regardless of their temperament?
• Does the R-H SPCA have a “time limit” before a pet is euthanized?
• Does the R-H SPCA participate in a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) or Barn Buddies program for feral cats?
• Why does the R-H SPCA accept feral cats?
• If the pet overpopulation is so severe, why are there empty cages in adoptable areas?
• Why can’t a pet stay up for adoption indefinitely?
• Does the shelter offer classes for those having training problems with their pets and/or those who may be interested in adopting their first dog?
• My pet has some behavioral issues I’d like some help with. Can the R-H SPCA help me?
• My pet has medical/health issues. Can the R-H SPCA help me?
• My school group/scout troop would like to visit the shelter for a tour; what’s the procedure for arranging a visit?
• Does the R-H SPCA have a volunteer program? Are there volunteer programs for children & teens under 18?
• ​Does your shelter offer pet cremation services?

Lost & Found Pets

• My pet is missing! What do I do?
• I found a pet! What do I do?
• How does the R-H SPCA reunite pets with their owners?
• I found a pet, is it okay if I keep it?
• What is a Stray Hold?
• What is the process of going up for adoption like for a stray pet?

Adoption Questions

• How do I adopt a pet?
• How can I see pets available for adoption? Is there a list online?
• How often are new pet pictures posted on your website? What about Petfinder, Adopt-A-Pet, Facebook?
• Does your shelter keep a list of potential adopters who are looking for a specific breed of pet?
• I live out of area, can I adopt?
• I’m in college, can I adopt?
• Where can I find the adoption screening form and information on adoption procedures?

Stray Pet Questions

• I found a stray, what do I need to do to bring it to the R-H SPCA?
• Is there a charge for bringing a stray pet?
• I found a stray outside of Harrisonburg City or Rockingham County. Will the R-H SPCA accept it?
• Can I adopt the pet I brought if no one comes to claim it?
• How can I check on the stray I brought in?
• If the stray I brought has a contagious disease, will the R-H SPCA let me know?

Owner Relinquishment Questions

• I cannot keep my pet, how can I relinquish it to the R-H SPCA?
  
• Is there a charge for relinquishing a pet?
  
• Can I surrender my pet to the R-H SPCA if I live outside of Harrisonburg City or Rockingham County?
  
• I don’t want to admit that this pet is mine. Can I claim that it’s a stray instead?
  
• Will the R-H SPCA let me know if my pet is unable to be placed up for adoption?
  
• What are the chances that the pet I surrendered will find a home?
  
• After I surrendered my pet, a friend/family member came forward and offered their home. Can they adopt my pet now that it’s in the R-H SPCA’s custody?

General & Miscellaneous

• Can my pet give me Ebola or another dangerous disease?
• I have a cat; what do I need to know about toxoplasmosis?
• I need to perform court-ordered community service hours; can I volunteer at your shelter?
• My service group would like to collect gifts for your pets. How can we get a list of items you need?
• I am working on a project and would like to interview someone at the R-H SPCA. How do I go about arranging a meeting?
• How can I learn more about animal sheltering?
• What can I do to help?

Ready to adopt?