Peninsula SPCA Shelter Operations and COVID-19

As our community continues to deal with the effects of Covid-19, the Peninsula SPCA is taking steps to protect our staff, clients, and visitors by limiting the shelter’s exposure to the public.  This will affect our daily operation and services that we provide to the public in a variety of ways. 

Currently, the following is in effect:

Barnyard

Our barnyard will remain closed until further notice. (This not only helps to limit the amount of traffic through our shelter but will allow us to utilize staff resources where needed.)

Preventive Care Veterinary Clinic

We will continue to hold our vaccination clinics and surgeries for the public. 

However, our clinical team has implemented new protocols and curbside service to help protect our staff and clients. 

We WILL NOT be accepting walk-in clients until further notice.  All patients will be required to have an appointment in advance.  Appointments for VACCINATIONS should be made on-line @peninsulaspca.org.  Surgeries can be scheduled by leaving a message at (757-595-1399, ext 112).  Please note the clinic is not staffed every day, so please allow 24 hours for a return call.

If you are unable to keep your appointment or are exhibiting cold or flu-like symptoms, please contact (lou@peninsulaspca.org) and we will be happy to reschedule your appointment.

Intakes

Owner surrenders have always been by appointment and we will continue to schedule owner surrenders during operating hours. 

Volunteers

All volunteer orientations and dog handling classes have been canceled until further notice.  We will not be accepting new volunteers at this time.  While Virginia is in Phase 2, active volunteers will be allowed at certain times for two-hour shifts, but are asked to e-mail the volunteer coordinator (swee@peninsulaspca.org) before they visit the shelter.  We will be limiting volunteer entrance based on need and traffic flow.  ALL VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A FACE MASK while at the shelter and must have prior permission from the volunteer coordinator before beginning a shift.

Adoptions

Visitations and adoptions are by appointment only. 

You can view all of our current adoptable pets online @peninsulaspca.org under the Adopt tab. 

If you would like to visit with our adoptable pets, please complete an adoption application online at www.peninsulaspca.org .  If you are interested in a certain pet please note that on your application.  A team member will call you to schedule your appointment.

Please note, due to COVID-19 guidelines, we have certain protocols in place to keep our guests and staff safe, which includes managing effective social distancing, personal protective equipment and traffic flow through our shelter. ALL visitors in the building, must wear a face mask.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  If you do not have a mask, you can purchase one at our front desk.  Please be aware we may limit the amount of people in your party during visitation.  Some visitations may take place outdoors.  An appointment is the only way to ensure a visitation time.  Walk-ins will only be accepted if space allows and guidelines can be adhered to.    

Humane Education

All public programs are canceled until further notice.  We are currently accepting registration for summer camps, as we expect these programs to take place during Virginia’s phase 2 and 3 of reopening. 

We will not be taking new birthday party reservations until further notice. 

All humane education and adoption outreaches are canceled until further notice.  Shelter pets are prohibited to leave the shelter campus, except in the event they are going to temporary foster.

Donations

Now more than ever community support is needed.  Donations will be accepted from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday.   Visitors should drop donations off in our blue bins in front of the shelter.  A list of needed items can be found at: https://peninsulaspca.org/give/wish-list/

Pet Food Pantry

The Peninsula SPCA has a small pet food pantry with limited supplies of cat and dog food.  If you or someone you know is in need of pet food due to hardship, please call the shelter (757-595-1399) to see what is available and to schedule a time for pick-up.  Walk-ins will not be allowed as we do not know what staff will be available at certain times. 

We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops on the Peninsula, taking further steps to protect our shelter, programs and services as needed. 

Our priority is to maintain a safe environment for our staff and visitors to ensure that we can continue to care for the shelter’s pets.

We continue to monitor the situation as it develops on the Peninsula. Thank you for your patience as we take further steps to protect our shelter, programs and services. Our priority is to maintain a safe environment for our staff to ensure that we can continue to care for the shelter’s pets.

Covid-19 and your pets

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is a great resource for questions you may have regarding COVID-19 and your pets.  The AVMA says, “We do not have a clear answer as to whether SARS-CoV-2 can infect pets at this time. That said, currently, there is no evidence that pets become sick. Infectious disease experts, as well as the CDC, OIE, and WHO indicate there is also no evidence to suggest that pet dogs or cats can be a source of infection with SARS-CoV-2, including spreading COVID-19 to people.”  For more information and Frequently Asked Questions regarding pets and COVID-19 visit: https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2020-03/covid-19-faq-pet-owners_0.pdf