About/Contact

Welcome to the Richmond Animal League!

[our history] [faq] [shelter staff] [clinic staff] [directions]

The Richmond Animal League (RAL) is the area’s oldest non-profit “no-kill” organization committed to reducing the homeless pet population in the Richmond area. Founded in 1979, RAL provides temporary housing, medical treatment, sterilization, and quality care to over 800 companion animals each year until they are adopted into permanent and loving homes.

For answers to frequently asked questions, please see our FAQ. For further assistance, please contact the staff at either the shelter or clinic.

 Our Staff

Shelter Staff

Amy McCracken, Executive Director

amy@ral.org
804.379.4046 x112
Passion: Storytelling
Joined RAL: May, 2010
Favorite RAL alumni: Perry! I fell in love with a little dog named Perry who reminded me of a dog I had when I was little. I think we all love every animal that we get—even the grouchy cats (like Bruiser) or the crazy dogs (like Duncan). Old scraggly animals are just as easy to love as the cute fuzzy puppies and kittens.   
Best part about the job: Seeing animals go home!
When not at RAL, Amy can be found: In my pajamas at my dining room table writing or working a puzzle. I may also be spotted at the gym or at Kuba Kuba.
Favorite word? Buddy
Least favorite word? Chillaxin 

Pamela Bridgmon, Director of Kennel Operations

pam@ral.org
804.379.0046 x111
Passion: Outdoor activities
Joined RAL: 9 years ago
Favorite RAL alumni: Pauline (pictured at left). Although Pauline was here when I arrived I was told she was a mean kitty. Lets just say she had developed a reputation that stuck with her. Pauline just had an unusual “meow”. In all the years I knew her she never really bit anyone unlike other pets that have come and gone. She was my office buddy. She beat out people wanting to euthanize her because of her special meow. She beat diabetes but she couldn’t beat an oral carcinoma. Even though she has been gone almost a year, I still miss her and still tear up when I think about her. It was like she was my cat at home, she was just located at my desk.
Best part about the job: too many things to name
When not at RAL, Pam can be found: who knows where
Childhood nickname? Monkey
If you were an animal, what animal would you be? Well a cat of course

Alissa Turchen, Adoption Coordinator

adopt@ral.org
804.379.0046 x100
Passion: Drawing, writing, photography, travel, nature, and animal welfare, just to name a few!
Joined RAL: February 2011
Favorite RAL alumni: Kevin—he’s the most good-natured kitten I’ve ever met! He loves everyone, human, feline, canine, and everything in between. He’s so well-mannered that we use him as our “test kitty” when we cat-test the shelter dogs. I can’t believe Kevin hasn’t found a home yet!
Best part about the job: Getting to know each and every one of our shelter pets and then getting to watch them move on to loving homes and families! It’s bittersweet to say goodbye, but knowing they’re finally going to have a family of their own is a fantastic feeling. 
When not at RAL, Alissa can be found: probably wandering around outside somewhere, I love to explore new places!
Cake or pie? Cake—unless it’s pumpkin pie.
Superhero ability; flight or super speed? Neither—I, like Batman, prefer to use nothing but my own physical strength, dexterity, and ingenuity. 

Maria Medas, Assistant Director of Kennel Operations

maria@ral.org
804.379.0046 x114
Passion: Law and Order, Criminal Intent
Joined RAL: August, 2011 (after 5 amazing years with Richmond Animal Care and Control)!
Favorite RAL alumni: Peaches the cat- that girl quacks!
Best part about the job: Helping animals when they first come to RAL
When not at RAL, Maria can be found: At home writing dorky pop songs.
Favorite word? Reckon
Least favorite word? Boogers 

Cynthia Reed, Volunteer Coordinator

cynthia@ral.org
804.379.0046 x113
Passion: animals, music, books
Joined RAL: July of 2009
Favorite RAL alumni: There have been SO many wonderful pets but I would have to go with Steve, a little white Jack/Chi mix. He was cross eyed and seriously the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. The best part of his whole stay here was to see him go home with his new mom, who had recently lost a dog and found Steve to be the most perfect new companion for her.
Best part about the job: working with a staff and large group of volunteers who all care so much about helping out homeless pets!
When not at RAL, Cynthia can be found: hanging out with my dog, Winston J
Cake or pie? pie
Superhero ability; flight or super speed? Super speed

Sarah Clinton, Community Manager

sarah@ral.org
Passion: reading, writing, and pit bulls
Joined RAL: November 2011 (just last week!)
Favorite RAL alumni: Weegie, the first beagle that stole my heart! I was touring the shelter before I became an employee, and I absolutely fell in love with a mangy little beagle puppy named Weegie. She had shaved patches all over her body due to some skin issues - she looked like a Teletubby. She kept sticking her little paws out of the kennel in an attempt to get me to pet her (which worked). Since then, she's been adopted and I'm so glad she's got a wonderful home with someone who loves her.
Best part about the job: getting to know all of the amazing animals in our care, and then sharing their stories
When not at RAL, Sarah can be found: exploring the river with my two dogs, Ernie and Dexter. Or sitting at home with a good book. Or knitting.
Cake or pie? Cake. Definitely cake. German chocolate cake, to be exact.
Superhero ability; flight or super speed? I dream of flying Peter Pan-style!

Sarah Neighbor, Transport Driver

Joined RAL: I started volunteering 8 years ago and became an employee in July 2010
Favorite RAL alumni: I have fallen for so many animals over the years but my ultimate favorite would have to be Mabel, a rat terrier mix. I first saw her one day at Chesterfield Animal Shelter when I was picking up animals for transport and every time I was there I had to go see her and once she came to RAL and I could really get to know her I fell in love.
Best part about the job: I love the animals of course but with this job I have met some of the most amazing people who I am constantly learning from.
When not at RAL, Sarah can be found: Hanging out with me 2 cats reading a book or watching a movie.
Cake or pie? Cake
Favorite word? Bubble, and I have no idea why.

Loving Spay + Neuter Staff

Dr. Laura Drinkwine, Veterinarian

laura@ral.org
Passion: my family, reading, summer, travel
Joined RAL: Nov 2009
Favorite RAL alumni: Apollo Ohno, Prince & Bosley. All so sweet, and their virtues were not readily obvious to the public. They were like special shelter secrets!
Best part about the job: animals, staff (I love it when people come say hi to me in surgery), surgery
When not at RAL, Dr. Laura can be found: at home
Nicknames: spazz, smeagol, midge, Dr. Midge
Favorite word? bonanza

Dr. John Todd

clinic@ral.org

Jamie White, Licensed Vet Tech

jamie@ral.org
Passion: hanging with my new baby boy, wine N pizza, animals
Joined RAL: July 2010
Favorite RAL alumni: Janean, I love all of her fat rolls
Best part about the job: working with all these lovely ladies everyday, Oh, and saving lives when it's needed
When not at RAL, Jamie can be found: eating pizza and drinking wine
Cake or pie? Definately cake-  yellow with chocolate icing to be exact
Blue or black ink? Blue (It's my favorite color)

Joy Hudson, Clinical Assistant

joy@ral.org
Passion:Crafts
Joined RAL: November 2, 2009
Favorite RAL alumni: Merlin. He is my Siamese mix that I fostered than adopted. He was my birthday present. He is a gift that gives love every day.
Best part of job: The animals
When not at RAL, Joy can be found: at home
Cake or pie? Cake (devil’s food cake with white icing)
If I were an animal I would be a: Yorkshire Terrier

Visit Our Shelter 

Directions & Hours

Located on International Drive directly behind Martin's at Chesterfield Crossing Shopping Center, Midlothian Turnpike across from Chesterfield Towne Center.