Frequently Asked Questions
Please look here before contacting us.
Q. How are you affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)?
A. Prince William SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) organization and is not affiliated with any other local, state or national organization such as the Humane Society of the United States in Washington or the ASPCA in New York. Because there are so many humane organizations with similar names, it is not uncommon for supporters of a local SPCA to mistakenly believe monies they send to HSUS or ASPCA will automatically filter down to their local humane society. Prince William SPCA receives no funding from either of these organizations.
Q. Do you receive government funding?
A. No, we do not receive funding from the county, state or federal government. We are not a United Way agency. All of our donations are provided through the generosity of individuals, foundations and corporations that support our cause. An estimated 90% of all funds we raise comes from the greater Prince William County region and 100% is returned back to the region.
Q. How do I get in touch with someone at Prince William SPCA?
A. We are 100% volunteer-run, so we do not have a staff available to answer calls and respond to emails. The best way to reach us is through our online form.
Q. Where can I adopt a pet?
A. Prince William SPCA strongly encourages everyone to adopt their next pet from one of the local animal shelters. There are also many good rescue organizations that have pets available for adoption. NEVER buy a pet at a pet store, breeder, Craig’s List or from an unlicensed dealer as these pets are often sick or have lived in conditions that are inhumane.
Q. Who do I call if I need to give up a pet?
A. Before making the decision to give up a pet, please look at all your options. Pets are family members and should not be looked at as disposable items. If you have to move, make sure your pet is able to go with you. If you or someone in your household is pregnant, know the facts about coexisting with kitty during the pregnancy. If you have exhausted all your options and must give away your pet, please try to find it a good home with a friend or relative. There are some rescue groups that will take the animal but most are already overwhelmed with other pets. Never drop off your pet at a farm or in the woods because domestic pets cannot care for themselves in unfamiliar environments. Your pet will become confused and more than likely be killed by a wild animal or hit on the road as he or she tries to return home. If you must, take your pet to the local shelter so they may work to get them a new home. Not all pets get adopted and shelters can get very full all times of the year, so exhaust all other options before taking your pet to a shelter.
Q. Is Prince William SPCA the local shelter?
A. No, Prince William SPCA and the Prince William County Animal Shelter are not affiliated. Prince William SPCA is a nonprofit organization made up entirely of volunteers. The Prince William County Animal Shelter is a municipal facility run by the county government. Prince William SPCA, through its Friends of the Shelter program, works directly with the Prince William County Animal Shelter on projects that help the many animals that end up there.
Q. Where can I get my cat or dog spayed or neutered at a reduced cost?
A. Prince William SPCA has had a long history of working with the Anicira Veterinary Clinic. For information on this clinic and other low-cost resources for spay/neuter, visit our pet resources.
Q. Do you offer euthanasia and/or other vet care services?
A. No, Prince William SPCA does not offer euthanasia or other vet services. Please visit our Low Cost Services page for updated information on various pet-related services available in our community for reduced fees.
Q. How do I report a suspected act of animal cruelty?
A. By law, companion animals must be given fresh water and shelter, especially in the hottest and coldest times of the year. To report this or similar incidents, call Prince William County Animal Control at 703.792.6465 or Manassas City Animal Control at 703.257.2420. If the animal is immediate distress, call 911. Please do not call or email the Prince William SPCA if you suspect animal cruelty but instead directly contact the jurisdiction listed above that handles cruelty cases for your area.
Q. Can you help me locate a lost pet?
A. Prince William SPCA has no facility that holds pets that may be lost. We advise that if you have a pet that is lost that you contact–or better yet visit–the two local shelters in our area. Please keep in mind that stray animals are held often times for only 7 days so visiting the shelters often in the first days of losing your pet is vital to its recovery. If you have other pets, please consider microchipping them so that they may be returned to you if lost. Most animal shelters and veterinary clinics have devices that can read microchip information and will contact you if someone brings in your pet.
• Prince William County Animal Shelter: 14807 Bristow Road, Manassas, VA 20112 | Phone: 703.792.6465 | Email: [email protected]
• Manassas City Animal Adoption Center: 10039 Dean Drive, Manassas, VA 20110 | Phone: 703.257.2420
Q. Can you help me trap a feral cat?
A. No, we do not have the resources to assist with trapping of animals. We are an all-volunteer group with no staff, so we cannot manage request like this. We recommend you contact a feral cat organization to assist you.