Pet Intake Admissions Appointment Process
Our primary goal is to keep pets and people together, We offer a variety of programs and services that we will explore with you to help you keep your beloved pet. If our many other pet retention programs are not a suitable alternative, the Roanoke Valley SPCA will work with you to best support you and your pet and determine if admission to our Adoption Program is a good fit. All appointments begin first with a phone call to our pet support programs staff. Give us a call at (540) 339-9508 to begin that conversation.
At the Roanoke Valley SPCA, we are committed to providing a safe and compassionate environment for the animals in our care. As safe shelter that does not euthanize for space and our resources are limited — we have just 23 kennels for dogs and space for 24 cats. Because of this, we are unable to accept every pet in need and must manage intake carefully to ensure the safety and well-being of all animals and people. Owner surrenders are accepted by appointment only, allowing us to assess each situation individually. Additionally, not all pets are suited for a shelter environment, and we cannot accept animals who may pose a danger to other animals or humans. If you need to relinquish your pet to our shelter, please know that it often takes two weeks for an appointment time to be available, so plan ahead. In addition, admissions appointments are restricted to the greater Roanoke Valley and only available to residents of Vinton, Salem, Roanoke City, and residents of Bedford, Botetourt, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Montgomery, and Roanoke Counties.
Appointments are required and typically scheduled weekdays in the afternoons. Each appointment will last approximately one hour or longer if you are bringing multiple animals or a litter.
To schedule an appointment you must:
- Completed the Pet Intake Profile
- Provide all veterinary records
- Pay your medical services fee of $25 per animal (special reduced surrender fees apply for litters and accommodations may be made for proven financial hardship). Please note this fee is NOT refunded if you fail to show up for your appointment or fail to cancel within 72 business hours.
Why does the Roanoke Valley SPCA collect a medical services fee?
When we admit a pet to our adoption center, we are committed to providing for his or her care until adoption, regardless of the length of his stay with us. The veterinary treatment and routine daily care we provide your pet with will be costly. This fee is your contribution toward his or her continued care while awaiting a forever home.
Preparing for your appointment.
Before you leave home, please be sure to bring your pets toys, bed, food, medications or other items that may make their transition to the shelter easier.
When you arrive, cats MUST be in a carrier and all dogs must be on a leash. We recommend that dogs under six months old are carried in. Our staff will greet you and show you to a private location where we will further talk about your pet and their needs. Once done, your cat will be taken to the veterinary clinic where it will be tested for FeLV and FIV and your dog will be taken to the play yard for a behavioral assessment. After your pets evaluation is complete, we will meet with you to discuss your pet’s acceptance into our adoption program. If accepted, we will process the necessary paperwork for you to sign legally relinquishing ownership of your pet to the Roanoke Valley SPCA. If your pet is not accepted for medical or behavioral reasons, we will discuss alternative options with you.