July 2026 Newsletter


🌻 Message from the VFHS Board of Directors


The VFHS Board has been busy this spring and summer focusing on the future of our organization and the animal welfare community we serve throughout Virginia.


A major focus has been the development of a new strategic plan that will guide VFHS over the coming years. Board members are working to identify priorities that will strengthen our impact, expand member benefits, and ensure VFHS continues to provide leadership and support to animal welfare professionals across the Commonwealth.


One key priority is growing and strengthening our membership. With membership at a record high, we are exploring new ways to engage current members while expanding outreach to animal control professionals, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, rescue organizations, and other partners.


The Board has also been reviewing reports from organizations that received SpayVA funding and is encouraged by the positive impact these grants are having by increasing access to affordable spay/neuter services throughout Virginia. To further support these efforts, VFHS will be represented at the upcoming United Spay Alliance State Leader Retreat, where a Board member will connect with leaders from across the country and bring back ideas to strengthen spay/neuter initiatives in Virginia.


In addition, we are building on the success of the 2026 Annual Conference by reviewing attendee feedback, exploring new educational opportunities, and beginning preparations for next year's conference. Through programs such as SpayVA, the High Five Virginia Animal Transfer Program, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts, VFHS remains committed to supporting animals and the people who care for them.


Thank you for your continued membership, participation, and dedication to animal welfare. We look forward to sharing more updates as our strategic planning process moves forward.


Together, we are building a stronger future for animals in Virginia.


Students train shelter cats for adoption success


This past spring, Virginia Tech’s School of Animal Sciences offered a new undergraduate course, Shelter Cat Behavior & Welfare, to provide students hands-on experience in feline behavior and welfare, while helping cats in shelters find homes. Lisa Gunter, Assistant Professor of Animal Behavior & Welfare and Virginia Federation of Humane Societies (VFHS) board member, led the course.


"As far as we know, this is one of very few courses in the country that has cats coming in from animal shelters, living on campus, being trained by students, and adopted out," said Lisa. “We saw an opportunity to help cats in need of homes and provide students with a course that offered more hands-on learning that could benefit them should they go into the field.”


The cats in the course came from a partnership with Lynchburg Humane Society. Its executive director and VFHS vice president, Jill Mollohan '10, is a School of Animal Sciences alumna. “Our field needs more professionals with this expertise,” Jill said. “The cats benefit from individualized attention, enrichment, and behavior support. This partnership introduces our cats to a broader audience, increasing their visibility and adoption opportunities.”


Over 30 students enrolled in the course. A total of 14 cats participated, and all were adopted into homes. Over three-quarters of the course’s cats were transferred into Lynchburg Humane Society through High Five Virginia, a VFHS program dedicated to decreasing the euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals in Virginia. Lisa plans to offer the course again in the fall.


Read more about the course here and view this great video of the students and cats in action.



VFHS Educational Program


Upcoming Webinars:


July 21, 2026 at 12:00 Noon

Late Summer Donor Engagement Sandy Rees - Get Fully Funded


August 18, 2026 at 12:00 Noon

Weeklong Fostering and Co-housing

Lisa Gunter - Virginia Tech | School of Animal Sciences


September 15, 2026 at 12:00 Noon

Cooperation is Not a Dirty Word: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

1 hour CE Credit available for ACOs

Rob Leinberger - Prince George County Animal Services


Webinars are FREE for all current VFHS Members and only $10 for non-members.


Visit our website for details and registration: www.vfhs.org



🎤 Call for Speakers


The Virginia Federation of Humane Societies is inviting submissions for speakers for our 2027 VFHS Annual Conference. This annual gathering is the state’s largest and most well-attended conference for animal welfare professionals and volunteers.


The workshop sessions are generally 1 hour but may be adjusted as needed. The deadline for submissions is August 31, 2026. If you have any questions about your submission, email us at dbrown@vfhs.org

 

NOTE: We do not have it within our budget to compensate our speakers. By submitting this form, you are agreeing to present on a volunteer basis, if selected by the conference committee.​

 

Please complete this Google form: 



CALL FOR SPEAKERS



Virginia Animal Control Association 

2026 Awards

The Virginia Animal Control Association (VACA) recognizes the tremendous work performed by the many outstanding animal care & control professionals and citizens in Virginia. VACA has established five annual award categories to honor the work of Animal Control Officers and others from across the state. Please review the following award categories and consider nominating a deserving individual or agency.  


Nomination deadline:

SEPTEMBER 1, 2026


Dr. Kent Roberts Award - Animal Control Officer of the Year

This award is presented to an officer who has demonstrated overall excellence in the performance of his/her job. It is named in honor of the late Dr. Kent Roberts, who gave so much to help VACA as it has grown and developed over the years.


Valor

This award is given to an officer who has demonstrated exceptional performance and bravery in the line of duty during a difficult or dangerous assignment in the field of animal control. 


Dr. Charlotte A. Robinson Award for Public Service

This award is presented to an officer who has made a significant contribution to improving the image of the animal control profession in his/her community. 


Outstanding Agency

This award is presented to an agency that has demonstrated exceptional performance within their department and community. 


President

This award may be given to a citizen who has assisted animal control on a local level.


Nominate here Now


🐾 Member Spotlight: Old Dominion Humane Society

Old Dominion Humane Society is keeping rescue dogs active and visible throughout August with community events ranging from farmers markets and puppy yoga to group hikes, adoption events, and local business partnerships. These activities provide enrichment for rescue dogs while helping connect them with potential adopters and supporters.


ODHS's newest initiative, the Tales & Tails "Sponsor a Puppy Litter" program, offers another creative way for businesses and individuals to support lifesaving efforts.


Through rescue, rehabilitation, and education, ODHS continues to make a difference for dogs in need across the Fredericksburg region.


For more information about the dogs available for adoption and adoption surveys, as well as upcoming

events, volunteering, fostering and donating, visit

Old Dominion Humane Society


Meet Tilly and other rescue dogs from ODHS that are ready to play, cuddle and snuggle during events in August.


It's HOT out there!!!

Keep yourself and your pets safe!

FREE TRAINING FOR ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS!

Our friends at Chesterfield Animal Services are once again hosting their annual Animal Control Officer In-Service Training on August 12 and August 19.

This training is FREE to attend, but space is limited, so be sure to register as soon as possible!

Participants can earn up to 8 hours of continuing education credits.

To sign up, email Sgt Allard at allarda@chesterfield.gov by August 5th.


📅 Upcoming Events



💡 Resource Corner 




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❤️ How You Can Help


  • Donate to support statewide animal welfare initiatives
  • Become a member or renew your membership
  • Share our mission with your network