ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – As the holidays get closer, local pet adoption centers are seeking help to find their animals a home, with some urgently needing assistance.
Every year, the Roanoke Valley SPCA holds a home for the holidays program, where it tries to find new or temporary homes for the animals in the shelter. This year is more important than in years past because the facility’s roof and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system are both being replaced, making it a lengthier event than normal.
“We will be without power and without heat, so we cannot have pets in the building while that’s happening,” Julie Rickmond, the marketing and communications director for the Roanoke Valley SPCA, said. “Usually for our home for the holidays program, it lasts for about two weeks, the pets are in foster care for about two weeks, but this year is going to be longer so we’re thinking six to eight weeks, potentially maybe even longer.”
All 40 pets at the Roanoke Valley SPCA must be out of the shelter before it closes on December 20.
It hopes to have them adopted, but if not, it’s asking families to foster the pets in the meantime.
“We provide everything that you need, like food, collars, leashes, bedding, a crate if you need it, toys, treats, all of that good stuff,” Rickmond said. “You just open up your heart and home to a pet in need.”
Angels of Assisi is also looking for help.
The Regional Center for Animal Control and Protection (RCACP), the local pound, is at full capacity and cannot take in anymore strays.
“It is a wonderful time to go over and adopt a pet and to foster a pet,” Lisa O’Neill, the executive director of Angels of Assisi, said. “If you do the same with Angels of Assisi, that frees up some room here, so that we can help places like the regional center bring pets in.”
It will have more space once construction on the new building is finished, but despite getting closer, Angels of Assisi still does not have a set timetable for completion.