There are so many reasons people choose to foster. For some, it’s about helping a pet in need. For others, it begins in a quieter place, shaped by loss, love, and the desire to make space for something meaningful again.

Today, we’re sharing reflections from the Fergusons, whose fostering journey began during a tender season and grew into something deeply transformative, for the dogs in their care and for their own hearts.

Winter storms can be beautiful, but they can also bring power outages, icy roads, and sudden changes to our routines. As we prepare our homes and families for snow and cold temperatures, it is just as important to make sure our pets are ready too. A little planning ahead can go a long way in keeping dogs and cats safe, comfortable, and calm during winter weather.

The dogs at RAL are seeking humans to join our dog crew.

Must love dogs.

Seeking: Friendly, Big-Hearted Humans to Join Our Volunteer Front Desk Dream Team

Independent rehoming gives pet guardians the ability to find new homes for their pets without surrendering them to a shelter. Learn how RAL’s use of Home To Home® is helping pets transition safely, and explore other tools available for both permanent and temporary placements.

Once considered untreatable, Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is no longer a death sentence for cats. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and promising new treatments that are giving FIP-positive cats a second chance—and why shelters like RAL need community support to provide this life-saving care.

Found cold and unresponsive at just three weeks old, Marlin’s future was uncertain. But with specialized care, physical therapy, and a whole lot of love, this determined kitten is now thriving—one wobbly step (and loud purr) at a time.

May is Chip Your Pet Month. During Chip Your Pet Month, we’re encouraging all pet guardians to make sure their pets are protected—not just by getting them microchipped, but by keeping that chip information up to date.

March Foster Spotlight - Raven Jarvis

Virginia just became the largest state to achieve a 90% live release rate in its shelters, marking a major step forward in the no-kill movement. RAL was honored to celebrate this achievement at the State Capitol, but nearly 10,000 pets still need homes to make no-kill a reality statewide. Learn how RAL is helping lead the way—and how you can be part of the solution.

Learn about Manx Syndrome in cats.

Discover Latke's journey from a tiny kitten with congenital hypothyroidism to a thriving, adoptable companion, and learn more about this rare but treatable condition in cats.

Meet Landon, Richmond Animal League’s 2025 Cat Mascot!

Meet Kaia, Richmond Animal League’s 2025 Dog Mascot!

Understanding Canine Parvovirus (Parvo): Learn about the highly contagious Canine Parvovirus, its symptoms, treatment, and how to protect your dog from this serious disease. Vaccination and early intervention are key!

Every year on August 15, pet owners are reminded of the vital role that microchipping plays in ensuring the safety and return of their beloved pets. At Richmond Animal League (RAL), we can't stress enough the importance of not only microchipping your pet but also keeping the contact information on the chip up to date.

Fourth of July festivities are exciting for us, but they can be stressful and frightening for our pets. As pet owners, it's crucial to take steps to ensure our furry friends stay safe and calm during the holiday.

Photo gallery from Woofstock 2024.

Say hello to our annual partner Salty Paws!