Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA helps rescue more than 150 dogs from Midwest breeders

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - More than 150 dogs surrendered by businesses that breed and sell dogs in the Midwest are getting a second chance, thanks in part to a team from the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA.

Some of those dogs are expected to arrive in Charlottesville on Saturday, November 7, after SPCA staff traveled to the Midwest this week to assist the BISSELL Pet Foundation and National Mill Dog Rescue with a large-scale rescue operation.

Jessica Taylor, marketing manager for the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, says the animals are coming from multiple breeding businesses that are surrendering dogs.

“Some of them are closing business, some of them are scaling back, and some of them are just not able to sell the dogs,” Taylor said.

Commercial breeders are businesses that breed dogs for profit. Taylor says the SPCA does not have information about the conditions at the facilities involved in this particular operation.

She did point to several contributing factors that could impact dog overpopulation, including unplanned litters, the rising cost of veterinary care and fewer people adopting pets.

Taylor says breeding dogs for profit can add to the problem when shelters already have animals waiting for homes.

She emphasized the importance of spay and neuter programs in helping manage the animal population.

The exact number of dogs being surrendered has not yet been determined, but Taylor confirmed it exceeds 150.

SPCA staff are working alongside veterinarians to examine and vaccinate the dogs before they travel to shelters along the East Coast.

They are also preparing health certificates and other paperwork required to safely transport the animals by plane.

The BISSELL Pet Foundation coordinates with a nationwide network of shelter partners, including the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA. When large rescue operations arise, the foundation asks participating shelters to provide assistance.

Taylor says the Charlottesville team was able to volunteer because it currently has room to accept additional animals.

“We’re fortunately in a position right now where we have some space that we could support this mission,” Taylor said.

However, not all of the dogs will be brought to Charlottesville. Instead, they will be distributed among participating shelters.

The dogs arriving Saturday will not immediately be available for adoption.

Taylor says they will first receive grooming and any additional medical treatment they need.

“In cases like this, we don’t know yet what exactly the conditions of the dogs who are coming here and so some of them may need more medical support than others,” Taylor said.

After receiving care, the dogs will spend time in foster homes to adjust to their new surroundings.

Taylor says traveling by plane and moving between unfamiliar places can be stressful for animals. Foster families will give the dogs time to settle in while helping shelter staff learn about their personalities and individual needs.

The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA is encouraging people to consider becoming foster families, both for the incoming dogs and animals already at the shelter.

“We would really love to get as many of them into foster as fast as possible so anybody who is an approved foster or interested in fostering, we would love to talk to you,” Taylor said.

People who cannot foster can still help by donating supplies or money.

The shelter has a blue donation bin inside its entrance where supplies can be dropped off. Monetary contributions help cover veterinary treatment and other expenses, particularly because the medical needs of the incoming dogs remain unknown.

Taylor hopes every dog involved in the rescue will eventually find a permanent home, whether in Charlottesville or another community along the East Coast.

The SPCA plans to share updates about the dogs and their adoption availability on its website and social media pages.

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