Richmond SPCA

"We adopted our sweet boy from Richmond SPCA. It was a wonderful experience and the staff and counselors were so helpful throughout the process. If we decide to adopt again we will be using Richmond SPCA. The animals are well taken care of. They make sure your new family member is up to date on shots and the vet examined before they are adopted. The visiting areas are clean and the animals are happy. Filling out the adoption questionnaire online before you come in is helpful."

"I visited the humane center around 5pm on Friday 11/17/2023 to look for a dog for adoption. After spending about an hour contemplating my options, I decided on a dog and discussed with the adoption coordinator about the process. I was told that they will not be providing anything the dog was to go into their new home with, not even food, which surprised me (dogs shouldn't switch to a new brand/type of food abruptly). Arrangements were made for me to come over the next day to finalize the adoption process to take the dog home and after telling friends and family. The following evening and the next morning I bought dog food, a leash, toys, and a dog bed, as well as get my home situated. I made another 30+ mile trip to and arrived at the humane center 11/18/2023 at around 3:25pm, walked in with the leash and harness in hand ready to take the dog home... only to be told by the young man working at the adoption desk (black male with glasses) that the dog I would like to adopt is no longer available due to being on "medical hold." There was another young brown hair lady with glasses with the gentleman I spoke to at the adoption desk. They asked whether my interaction with the adoption desk the prior day was through the phone. I reiterated that I was there on in-person and met with the dog and the adoption coordinator to discuss my plan to adopt... and that no "medical condition" was mentioned. They then alleged that it happened later in the day yesterday. I told the gentleman that I was here around 6:00pm evening prior and the dog was fine. He then said well it probably happened after that time, which I don't believe at all. I also mentioned that they have my number and contact information. If it really did happened after my visit the previous evening, and I've discussed about coming into adopt him, why wasn't I even contacted, not even an email. He couldn't come up with a defense and just apologize. The fact that he apologized, remained professional, and RECOGNIZED that I was not happy with how this matter was handled is the only reasons why this review didn't get a 1-star rating. I used to volunteer with Richmond SPCA and recognize that they are not the best when it comes to administrative matters. But I was just a volunteer at the time so their lack of competency in administrative management and operations efficiency didn't bother me too much. But because I was negatively impacted by their incompetence and lack of consideration for prospect adopters, I felt like I had to give my two cents. My suspicion is that they're holding the dog for someone who later expressed interest. I will NOT be supporting Richmond SPCA from now on, nor will I recommend them to philanthropist-minded individuals to donate to them. Poor administration of animal welfare and adoption process like what Richmond SPCA does the reason why people end up going to BREEDERS instead of adopting."

"We were looking for one cat, and ended up with three! The SPCA made the entire process simpler. The provided access to everything we needed to get our kittens set up. They provided us with ample time with several kittens to allow us space to find the right kittens for our family. Knowing their full histories and having all their updated medicals gave us added piece of mine, and alleviated much potential stress. Thank you for our new family members!"

"What an amazing place for animals and humans alike. The staff are super friendly and the facilities are bright, clean, and spacious. They were very open and honest with us to ensure a good fit. It worked out great. Berkley (known then as Bernie) is a welcomed and wonderful addition to our family. So happy we met him here."