Peninsula SPCA (PSPCA) has been helping animals find homes for more than 85 years, beginning operation as a private no-kill shelter, or an adoption guarantee shelter, since 2015. “The mission of Peninsula SPCA,” says Jessica Geary, marketing and community relations manager, “is to find loving homes for every animal in our care and advocate for the humane treatment of all animals in our community. On the adoption floor, we have 23 dog kennels, 24 cat cages, three cat condo spaces and six small animal enclosures. Adopters can find dogs, cats and small animals like bunnies, guinea pigs, birds and sometimes even ferrets.”
our longest cattery residents of 2023,
found their family!
The 11 full-time staff members and roughly 200 volunteers help care for the animals and find their new homes. While many people may see “SPCA” and assume that the shelter is associated with the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), this is actually incorrect. “I’ve encountered a lot of people who assume that SPCA’s are all linked to one another somehow, but we are not. The ASPCA is not associated with the Peninsula SPCA,” Geary says. “Donating to a national organization helps that organization’s mission, but it doesn’t directly impact your community like donating to your local shelter does, where your dollars will go much further.
“We are a private nonprofit animal shelter, which means we do not receive any funding through tax support. We operate thanks to the generosity and compassion of our community, and we couldn’t be more grateful,” Geary says. “That’s why our fundraising campaigns and events, like our Cocktail Pawty in June are so important. Attending events truly helps to keep our doors open.”
Geary has been with Peninsula SPCA for about two years and in the field of animal welfare for about nine years. “I started by volunteering as a foster for a rescue,” she says. “My favorite part about my job is spending time with the animals. The one-on-one time is always special.”
Geary isn’t the only staff member who has a deep personal connection with helping animals. “For me, it’s always been about the animals,” says Colleen Hall, board president. “We give a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves, give care to those who’ve been mistreated or abandoned and find homes and families for those who deserve love. I’m particularly proud of how we not only help our animals but also have developed an outreach network to provide care and shelter to animals in our local community, other shelters and beyond.”
Executive Director Megan Steele assures the animals come first for everyone involved at the shelter. “Our mission is truly all about the animals. And I see it as so much more than sheltering pets and finding them great homes. It’s being there for pet owners, providing resources to care for their pets, as well. We currently do this through our vaccine clinics and by offering spay and neuter services to the public,” Steele says. “We also host classes on Pet CPR, training methods and basic animal care in our Humane Education Center.”
There are multiple ways to support PSPCA to make a positive impact on an animal’s life. “Adopting, volunteering, fostering and donating are so helpful,” says Geary. “Also attending or sponsoring an event, hosting an online fundraiser or donation drive or even visiting our petting zoo. We have lots of animals looking for loving homes. Some prefer quiet homes while others are looking for a more active environment. Volunteering to help with laundry and dishes and walking dogs to helping offsite at events — are all very important to our success.”
Geary continues, “Animals have always had such a positive impact on my life. I want to do what I can to have a positive impact on theirs. When you see that change from a scared, misunderstood animal to a happy, confident one, you can’t beat that feeling. Animals deserve that and more from us.”
PSPCA is hosting a fundraiser on April 23 to replace its damaged roof and a first-ever PSPCA Tailgate on May 18 at Mill Point Park, with plans for a Small Dog Dash.
Away from the shelter, Geary enjoys spending time with her own cats, seeing her family and traveling. Before joining PSPCA, Geary was a travel consultant and often still plans vacations. She recently became a mother and has a new perspective on life as she watches her daughter explore the world.
TO THE POINT:
Peninsula SPCA
Address: 523 J Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601
Contact: Jessica Geary, marketing and community relations manager
Phone: 757-595-1399
Website: peninsulaspca.org
