Virginia is for (pet) lovers

Virginia’s commitment to homeless pets took center stage at the Capitol in Richmond on Valentine’s Day, where passionate pet lovers, legislators, and animal welfare leaders gathered to celebrate an exciting milestone — and to meet adoptable dogs and cats, including Richmond SPCA’s 2025 mascot, Myrtle, a white pup with a broad smile who’s been spreading the joys of pet adoption ever since she was adopted back in 2022.

[Virginia’s no-kill commitment: A big win for pets in the commonwealth]

At the event, Best Friends Animal Society recognized 80 Virginia animal shelters that achieved or maintained no-kill in 2024. These shelters saved at least 90% of the pets in their care, marking a major accomplishment for the commonwealth. Each shelter received a certificate and plaque in recognition of the lifesaving efforts, and the 26 state senators who represent them were honored for their support.

“Virginia’s progress is an incredible testament to what can be accomplished when communities, lawmakers, and animal welfare organizations come together for a common cause,” says Laura Donahue, Best Friends senior director of advocacy and network.

There is still work to be done to push Virginia over the no-kill threshold: 9,878 more dogs and cats in Virginia need to be saved this year, compared to 2023, to make the commonwealth no-kill.

“If just 0.1% of Virginians opted to adopt instead of purchasing from pet stores or breeders, we could achieve this goal,” Laura says. “Adopting a pet is one of the most impactful ways to help. Virginia would become no-kill if just 100 people in each Virginia House of Delegates district chose to adopt a pet this year.”

As Myrtle charmed the crowd, dogs from the Paws for Reading literacy program enjoyed some cuddle time, and visitors were also able to meet adoptable pets from the Richmond Animal League and the Richmond SPCA.

[Best Friends and Richmond Animal League join forces]

The event featured a Paws for Change display, which visually represented those 100 pets who need to be adopted in each district for Virginia to reach no-kill. Middle schoolers from the Richmond SPCA’s Animal Brigade service club participated by writing heartfelt notes to Virginia lawmakers in support of animal welfare.

Just days later, the Virginia General Assembly passed a resolution commending the 80 no-kill shelters.

"This marks a pivotal moment in Virginia’s journey toward becoming the largest no-kill state in the nation, and the resolution passed by the Virginia General Assembly speaks volumes about the power of community collaboration," says Laura. "This recognition highlights the hard work and dedication of shelters, lawmakers, and advocates working together to achieve such a transformative goal that will literally save thousands of pets."

For more information on how to support Virginia’s no-kill goal, visit bestfriends.org/virginia.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.