Richmond Animal League (RAL), the area’s oldest no-kill organization, has been finding homes for homeless pets in the Richmond area since 1979. Dogs and cats are rescued from municipal animal control facilities all over Central Virginia and transported back to the shelter, located near Chesterfield Towne Center.
“We are committed to saving lives by providing hope, help, and homes for animals in need,” said executive director Amy McCracken. With support from donors, the non-profit organization is often able to transfer animals that need a little more care than average, like Johnny Cash. “In addition to the cute, fuzzy, and already healthy, we take the limpy, the mangy, the kittens with runny noses, and dogs needing treatment for heartworms” said McCracken. Once in RAL’s care, the animals are provided with housing, medical treatment, sterilization, and quality care until they are adopted into permanent, loving homes. In 2013, RAL found new families for over 1,600 homeless pets.
Along with the RAL staff, over three hundred volunteers make this lifesaving work possible. When asked about the favorite part of the job, adoption coordinator Alissa Turchen answered, “Getting to know each and every one of our shelter pets and then getting to watch them move on to loving homes and families of their own.”
Richmond Animal League is currently in need of the following items. Donations can be dropped off at the facility on International Drive directly behind Martin’s at Chesterfield Crossing Shopping Center. Visit the RAL website for an expanded wish list.
• Pet store gift cards
• Fleece cat beds/crate liners
• Nylabones
• Gas gift cards
• Hand sanitizer, hand soap, bleach
• Paper grocery bags, paper towels
Save a Life, Adopt a Pet! For more information, visit RAL or call 804-379-0046.
Read about Richmond Animal League in Reaching Out on page 26 of this month’s Richmond Family Magazine.
