The Roanoke Valley SPCA partners with local organizations to bring in appropriately behaved dogs (and occasionally cats) as part of our Humane Education program.

We often visit senior residence centers and nursing homes; for those residents who are no longer able to care for pets, a visiting pet provides temporary companionship and unconditional love. In addition, our Visiting Pets are available for classroom visits at schools, children’s camps, birthday parties at the Roanoke Valley SPCA, and more.

The animals that participate in Visiting Pets are typically Animal Ambassadors. Our ambassadors for the shelter have been specifically recruited for this "job". Many of them have therapy dog/cat experience and they are all very easy to work with. They are not adoptable - they belong to some of our RVSPCA staff members and volunteers!

If your organization is interested in setting up a Visiting Pets appointment, please reach out to us! We’d love to talk to you.