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Pets
Continued Coverage
RACC says it had 91% save rate in 2019
Donations made to the RACC Foundation also allowed for 678 animals to receive emergency or specialized care.
25 lbs. cat available for adoption at Chesterfield shelter
Nine-year-old Emma is a hefty girl weighing 25 pounds.
Petco Foundation donates $1,000 to Richmond canine rescue
FETCH a Cure’s Pixie’s Pen Pals was selected based on a submission from one of its adopters
RACC surpasses #TeamTommie license plates goal
If 450 license plates are sold, the General Assembly has to approve them in the 2020 session.
MOST RECENT
Hanover holding rabies vaccination clinic Dec. 14
Hanover Animal Control is holding a rabies vaccination clinic on Dec. 14 to help make it easier for pet owners to get their animals vaccinated.
Volunteers fly deformed baby pig to animal hospital for help
A deformed baby pig that was born on a farm in Virginia has been flown to veterinary hospital in Pennsylvania for medical treatment
Louisa County Sheriff’s Office teams up with area animal shelter this winter
With temperatures getting colder, the Louisa County Sheriff's Office has some tips on how to keep your furry friends warm this season. That chilly weather can mean more pets needing to be taken into the shelter.
Don’t feed pets these Thanksgiving foods
Some dishes may be tasty for humans, but not healthy for pets
RACC looking for fosters for Thanksgiving
Richmond Animal Care and Control doesn’t want anyone to spend Thanksgiving alone, including their shelter pets.
Dead raccoon tests positive for rabies after coming in contact with dogs
A raccoon has tested positive for rabies after it came in contact with a dog in Henrico County.
Henrico Animal Shelter in desperate need of newspapers
Henrico police said the shelter was running out and is asking anyone to donate.
RACC waives fees for US service members
A military ID or DD214 is required.
Tommie Fund to help animal shelters across Va.
The group posted to social media that T-shirt sales alone helped raise nearly $100,000 to create the Tommie Fund.
Shelter takes in 79 cats after hoarding case in southwest Va.
Staff at Angels of Assisi in Roanoke says all of the cats seem to be okay and are now being well taken care of.
Tips on keeping your pets safe during Halloween
Halloween is a fun time for children and family, but it might not be your pet’s favorite time of year. Here are some tips.
RACC collects donations for dog with rock-filled stomach
Richmond Animal Care and Control is attempting to remove several rocks from a dog’s stomach.
Rats learn how to drive cars at University of Richmond
Rats are learning how to drive tiny cars at University of Richmond.
Rescue dog inspires children’s book, proceeds help other pups in need
The dog's owner said she never thought she'd be an author, but changed her mind after she met DD.
Transformation Tuesday: RACC treats dogs with overgrown fur
Two dogs got a new “leash” on life thanks to Richmond Animal Care and Control.
’She’s very well behaved:’ Petersburg family battles to keep pet pig
Lizzy is a 3-year-old miniature spotted pot-bellied pig, and a part of the Mckee family. Petersburg Animal Control said the pig is considered livestock and not allowed in a residential area.
Disabled animals calendar to feature dogs from Virginia
The dogs were chosen as part of a contest that saw several disabled animals, including cats, goats and a chicken all vying for the honor.
Missing tortoise in Dinwiddie is back home
Animal Control updated its Facebook page on Friday morning that “Frank is home!”
SPCA waives pet adoption fees through Saturday
The special event is in honor of CEO Robin Starr’s retirement.
‘Tommie’s Beer’ to help RACC care for animals in need
Three Notch'd brewing beer to benefit Richmond Animal Care and Control.
Florence man rescues beagle tied to tree during Hurricane Dorian
A passerby came to the rescue of a little beagle who he said was tied to a tree and shivering as Hurricane Dorian hit the Grand Strand and Pee Dee.
Richmond SPCA offering 2-for-1 cat adoptions
Richmond SPCA adopted 81 animals for Clear the Shelters Aug. 17, but still has quite a few animals in need of homes.
Former employee says Virginia shelter mistreated animals
Virginia State Police are investigating an animal shelter after a former employee accused it of treating animals inhumanely, including unnecessarily euthanizing some.
Animals displaced by Hurricane Dorian arrive in Richmond
Richmond SPCA is asking for donations through its Facebook page to house the animals and treat their medical needs.
Injured kitten that was thrown from vehicle loses leg
This is the second recent incident in which kittens were thrown out of cars and onto the freeway, with another incident last week in Louisa county.
PHOTOS: Celebrating National Dog Day
It's time to show off your furry friends!
’It breaks my heart’: Pit bull puppy stolen from Richmond home
A 14-week-old pit bull puppy named Tobias was stolen from his dog crate in Richmond.
Shelter dog with cancer treated to ice cream party
RAL said Bebe is a calm, well-behaved pup that acts more like a cat and is hoping to place him a home soon to get him out of the shelter, which is causing him a lot of stress.
RACC to hold yard sale Sept. 13-14
Richmond Animal Care and Control received enough goods for its June yard sale that it needs to hold a second one.
More than 70 pets rescued from fire at Va. pet resort
More than 70 pets were rescued from a fire at a pet resort in Charlottesville.
Dozens of animals across central Va. get adopted through Clear the Shelters event
Several shelters around central Virginia participated.
Paws to Swim offers safe environment for dogs to swim and play
In Richmond, there is a safe alternative where dogs can go to briefly escape the dog days of summer by splashing around in the water and getting quite a workout while doing it.
Virginia dog dies after contracting disease from river
An Albemarle County dog is dead after contracting a bacterial disease from the Rivanna River.
‘Paddle for Pups’ to benefit parvo treatment at RACC
A $30 donation to RACC is required to participate and includes an event T-shirt. Registration is open through Sept. 13.
Pet owners on alert for toxic algae after NC dog deaths
Three dogs died after exposure to a toxic blue green algae bloom in North Carolina.
7 Tips for bringing home a new dog
So you’ve decided to adopt a dog, and you have all the supplies you need, but are you really prepared?
Adopting a dog? These are the 11 things you’ll need
Are you considering adopting a new dog? Here’s a great list of things you’ll need to get you started shopping for your new best friend!
A warning to pet owners: toxic algae kills three dogs in matter of hours
A hot summer evening in Wilmington was made a little cooler for three dogs when their loving owners brought them to a nearby pond to play and swim Thursday night. Just hours later all three dogs were dead, their owner’s lives now shattered.
Cats named Yin, Yang can ‘bring balance’ to their adopter
While the cats have fewer eyes than normal, they also have more toes than normal because Yang is polydactyl.
RACC removes 7.6-pound mass from stray dog’s hip
RACC commented on its Facebook page that the mass could be cancerous, but hasn’t confirmed that.
Woman requests to adopt dogs with most seniority and special needs from NC shelter
Leslie walked into the Asheville Humane Society July 24 with a question and a request: “Which two dogs have been here the longest, with the most special needs? I’m here to take them both home with me.”
Dog blood drive held at Richmond veterinary clinic
Donor animals will receive a free annual vet exam and blood screening, plus “affection and treats.”
Chesterfield rat mascot gets a new rat friend
Animal Services said Rizzo is dumbo rat, which is identifiable by its big ears.
Puppies exposed to rabies in Sussex County
Two to three puppies were picked up and the Department of Health said the animals and their owners are safe.
Lost dog rescued after 11 days in Shenandoah National Park
Flyers posted around the park said Max went missing July 4. He was found July 15.
RACC seizes 7 dogs in animal neglect investigation
Seven dogs have been seized from a home on Richmond’s southside, after a concerned citizen reached out to Richmond Animal Care and Control about a dog that was tied up outside in extreme heat.
30 cats from Louisiana shelter brought to Richmond
Richmond SPCA will provide the cats with medical treatment and then place them up for adoption.
Animal Control issues warning about pets in hot cars
Signs of heat stroke in a pet include heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, unsteadiness, staggering gait, vomiting and a deep red or purple tongue.
RACC locates owner of rescued tortoise
RACC said it loves its newest non-furry friend, but is looking for the animal’s owner.
RACC sets record with 71 adoptions Wednesday
RACC said summer is an active time for the shelter and it is currently at capacity with 444 pets in its care.
5 tips for keeping your pet safe on the 4th of July
If you do choose to see the fireworks, we have a full list of places you can go on the 12 About Town page.
Feline feast: Anonymous donation helps feed RACC animals
RACC said an anonymous donor gifted it a $500 gift card to Pet Valu that was spent on several stacks of kitty cuisine.
Peahen loose in Henrico being ‘hunted’ by feral cats
A crew from Richmond Wildlife Center attempted to apprehend the bird, but was unable to do so.
Earring discovered in dog’s matted fur
The dog’s fur was so matted, workers at the shelter couldn’t determine it’s gender.
Rocky the escaped African cat spotted again in Virginia
Rocky, the exotic African cat that escaped from its owner's house, has been spotted again in Virginia, this time more than 150 miles from its North Carolina home
VIDEO: Miniature pig returned to Louisville pet shop
Pet’s Palace owner Jay Hockensmith said the pig was taken from the store located at 2209 Goldsmith Lane on Monday evening.
‘Let a cat be a cat’: Declawing blamed for behavioral issues, surrendered animals
Supporters of the ban say the procedure is painful and inhumane. A cat’s claws are attached to bone, so declawing requires slicing through tendon and nerves to remove the last segment of bone in a cat’s toes, according to a report by the Associated Press.
RACC asks for help naming 3 dogs from Oklahoma
RACC said it wants “super great creative names" for the pups.