In 2018, the Fredericksburg SPCA launched the People Empowered Through Support (PETS) program, an initiative designed to help families stay together by providing essential resources for their beloved pets. Through free supplemental pet food & supplies, and accessible veterinary care, PETS has helped countless households keep their pets right where they belong: at home with the people who love them.
Life can change in an instant. A sudden job loss, unexpected move, or shift in family circumstances can leave people scrambling for solutions. For pet owners, one heartbreaking option may be surrendering a pet to a shelter. Thanks to the PETS program, that doesn’t have to be the only choice.
The Fredericksburg SPCA serves as a resource hub for pet-owning families. In addition to food available for pickup at the shelter, Mobile Meal deliveries are offered when volunteers are available, supporting clients who face transportation challenges. The PETS program also includes Safe Haven, which provides temporary housing for pets while their families work to regain stability. Sadly, space is limited, with only two dedicated kennels and a long waitlist. To expand this resource, the program is actively recruiting foster families who can care for Safe Haven pets in a home environment and help open shelter space for others in need.
If someone is in need of assistance, families can register for the PETS program online in just a few steps. Once enrolled, pet parents may pick up food once a month during designated hours, and can set up vaccination and spay/neuter surgery appointments.
In 2024, the PETS program supported 5,239 pets across 1,224 families. By May 2025, it had already served 4,261 pets from 920 families. At this rate, the program is on track to assist even more households this year. This growing reach is made possible in part by a grant from the ASPCA, which provides PETS clients with a 50% discount on vaccines and spay/neuter services.
About the impact of the program, PETS coordinator Kaitlyn Truong said, “Every time we help an animal and spare a family the heartbreak of surrender, it’s a powerful reminder of why the PETS program exists. I truly believe it will continue to be a lifeline for our community, thanks to the compassion of our supporters and the strength of our partnerships. When we come together, we keep families whole.”
How can PETS continue to offer these vital services? The answer is simple: donations. The PETS pantry is stocked entirely through community contributions, with the most-needed items consistently being wet and dry dog and cat food. Donations aren’t limited to supplies; volunteering time and energy, or fostering a Safe Haven pet, is another meaningful way to support the program.
Those interested in volunteering to help with the Pet Pantry, Mobile Meal Deliveries and more can register as volunteers. Donations of food and supplies can be dropped off outside the front doors at any time, or brought inside during shelter hours, Tuesday through Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. The Fredericksburg SPCA shelter is located at 10819 Courthouse Rd Fredericksburg VA 22408.
