**Supporting Animal Welfare: A Comprehensive Guide to the Old Dominion Humane Society**

Introduction

The Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of animals in the Hampton Roads area. Founded in 1901, ODHS has a long history of providing compassionate care and advocacy for our furry friends. This comprehensive guide will explore the mission, services, and impact of this remarkable organization.

Mission and Values

Mission Statement:

"To end animal suffering and elevate animal welfare in Hampton Roads."

Core Values:

• Compassion: Embracing empathy and understanding for all animals.
• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in animal care and services.
• Collaboration: Partnering with the community to create a positive impact for animals.
• Innovation: Continuously seeking new and effective ways to address animal welfare issues.

Services Provided

ODHS offers a wide array of services to support the welfare of animals in the community:

Adoption and Rehoming

• Rescues and cares for homeless, abandoned, and surrendered animals.
• Provides adoption services to find loving and responsible homes for animals.
• Conducts home visits and screening processes to ensure suitable matches.

Veterinary Care

• Offers affordable spay and neuter services to prevent unwanted litters.
• Provides vaccinations, deworming, and other preventative care for animals.
• Partners with local veterinarians for advanced medical care and emergency treatment.

Community Outreach

• Educates the community about responsible pet ownership through programs and events.
• Promotes animal adoption and foster care to reduce pet homelessness.
• Offers humane law enforcement assistance to address animal cruelty and neglect.

Foster Care

• Provides temporary homes for animals awaiting adoption or needing specialized care.
• Matches animals with foster families based on their needs and suitability.
• Supports foster families with resources and training.

Other Services

• Disaster response and preparedness to assist animals during emergencies.
• Pet food pantry to provide assistance to pet owners in need.
• Wildlife rehabilitation to care for injured or orphaned wildlife.

Impact and Achievements

Over the years, ODHS has achieved significant milestones in improving animal welfare:

• Over 125,000 animals have been adopted through ODHS, finding loving homes and reducing pet homelessness.
• More than 100,000 spay and neuter surgeries have been performed, helping to control pet populations and prevent unwanted litters.
• ODHS has responded to over 10,000 calls for assistance, including rescuing animals from abandonment, neglect, and cruelty.

In recognition of its dedication to animal welfare, ODHS has received numerous awards and accolades:

• 2021: Top-Rated Animal Shelter by GreatNonprofits
• 2020: Petco Foundation Innovation Award
• 2019: Community Impact Award from the City of Virginia Beach

Why Support the Old Dominion Humane Society?

Supporting ODHS is an investment in the well-being of animals and our community. By supporting ODHS, you help:

• Reduce pet homelessness and euthanasia: Find loving homes for animals in need and prevent them from being euthanized.
• Promote responsible pet ownership: Encourage spaying and neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping to ensure the health and safety of pets.
• Respond to animal emergencies: Provide assistance to animals in distress, including rescues, medical care, and disaster response.
• Educate the community: Spread awareness about animal welfare issues and promote responsible pet ownership practices.
• Enhance animal quality of life: Improve the lives of animals by providing them with essential care, medical services, and a chance at a happy future.

Effective Strategies to Support ODHS

There are many ways to support ODHS and make a positive impact on animal welfare:

• Adopt or foster an animal: Provide a loving home to an animal in need.
• Donate to ODHS: Financial contributions help fund essential services and programs.
• Volunteer your time: Assist with adoption events, animal care, or community outreach.
• Attend fundraising events: Support ODHS through galas, auctions, and other fundraising opportunities.
• Spread the word: Share ODHS's mission and services with your friends, family, and community members.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When supporting ODHS, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overlooking the need for spaying and neutering: Uncontrolled pet populations contribute to pet homelessness and euthanasia.
• Ignoring animal abuse or neglect: Report suspected cases of animal cruelty to ODHS or local law enforcement.
• Choosing pet stores over shelters: Adopting from ODHS helps reduce pet homelessness and supports their mission.
• Getting overwhelmed by the number of animals in need: Focus on making a difference for one animal at a time.
• Giving up on helping animals: Every effort, no matter how small, makes a positive impact on animal welfare.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What are ODHS's adoption fees? Adoption fees vary depending on the animal's age, species, and medical needs. Contact ODHS for more information.
• How do I volunteer with ODHS? Fill out a volunteer application on the ODHS website or attend a volunteer orientation session.
• Can I donate items to ODHS? ODHS accepts donations of food, blankets, toys, and other supplies. Check their website for a list of needed items.
• How do I report animal cruelty or neglect? Contact ODHS or local law enforcement with the details of the situation.
• What are ODHS's operating hours? ODHS's adoption center is open seven days a week. Check their website for specific hours.
• Do you offer training for adopted animals? ODHS provides some basic training resources and can refer you to professional trainers.

Conclusion

The Old Dominion Humane Society is a vital organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals and promoting responsible pet ownership in Hampton Roads. By supporting ODHS, you play a crucial role in ending animal suffering, reducing pet homelessness, and elevating animal welfare in our community. Whether through adoption, volunteering, donating, or spreading the word, every contribution makes a difference. Join ODHS today and help create a more compassionate and humane world for animals.