Fredericksburg SPCA Expands With New Building Donation

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The Fredericksburg SPCA, which operates a shelter for animals in addition to several charitable programs, is expanding along Courthouse Road. A pair of local philanthropists donated the former S&K building to the SPCA last month.

The donation was made by Mary and Joe Wilson and includes the land that the building sits on. The Wilsons' previous building donation, at 10819 Courthouse Road, became the Fredericksburg SPCA's headquarters in 2009.

Carrie Withers is the executive director of the Fredericksburg SPCA. "The Wilson family's philanthropy to the Fredericksburg SPCA spans decades," she said. "This new space will enable us to broaden our impact on all those who need us whether they be canine, feline, or human."

The most recent building donation is just one of a series of projects planned by the SPCA. For example, the SPCA is currently working on expanding their Locke Medical Center by 1,200 square feet to offer more veterinary care in addition to services like diagnostic imaging and dental care.

The SPCA also saw enrollment in their People Empowered Through Support Program triple during the pandemic. The program provided mobile meal deliveries, and officials said the program "prevented hundreds of owner-surrenders."

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Von Young, the Fredericksburg SPCA's marketing and communications manager, also said the organization is "developing three program funnels within Humane Education for youth engagement to empower the next generation of animal advocates."

Though they are glad to have the donated building, SPCA officials said some work will need to be done. "Several improvements are needed to suit the building to SPCA needs," the SPCA said.

The SPCA said the new building will require additional shelter veterinarians. Anyone interested in employment with the Fredericksburg SPCA is encouraged to visit their website. Volunteer opportunities are also available at the shelter.

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