MISSION — To support the Norfolk Animal Care Center in sheltering and caring for Norfolk’s stray and homeless animals, to promote and facilitate adoptions, to assist with special needs medical care, to promote and support spay/neuter in the community and to educate the public about responsible pet ownership.

Friends of Norfolk Animal Care Center (FNACC) gives Hampton Roads residents the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of homeless pets. We are a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit created to support the important work of the Norfolk Animal Care Center. Learn more about our mission, what we do, and the many ways you can help.

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Through your generosity, Friends of Norfolk Animal Care Center (FNACC) is able to support vital programs that directly impact animals and families in our community, including:

• A free monthly spay/neuter clinic for Norfolk residents
• Free pet food through our on-site and mobile Pet Pantry
• Essential supplies for foster families
• Subsidized adoptions through events and initiatives like the Golden Paws program for senior pets and Best Buds
• Specialized medical care for animals with urgent or unique needs

We invite you to be part of our shelter family by making a donation. Your gift will help bring love, comfort, and care to the animals that need it most. We are truly thankful for your support!

Clear the Shelters

It's time to Clear the Shelters! Norfolk Animal Care Center (NACC) is joining shelters across the country for Clear the Shelters™, a month-long, nationwide annual pet adoption campaign led by NBCUniversal to help as many animals as possible find loving homes. From Aug. 1–31, adoption fees for all animals are half off, and adoption fees for senior pets (7 years and older) are waived. The month-long campaign is designed to encourage more adoptions and make room for incoming animals as the shelter is operating near capacity.

Whether you’re looking for an energetic adventure buddy, a laid-back couch companion, or a small pet to join your family, NACC has many wonderful, adoptable animals waiting for their second chance. Not sure where to start? Come by the shelter (5585 Sabre Rd., Norfolk) for a visit! NACC adoption hours are 1:30 – 6 p.m. every day except Wednesdays. The shelter offers walk-in meet-and-greets and adoption counseling to help match pets with families.

Not ready to adopt? There are many ways to support the animals at NACC:

Foster: Open your home to an animal in need. NACC provides the supplies and veterinary care – you provide the love! Email FosterNACC@norfolk.gov to learn more.
Volunteer: Join NACC’s team of dedicated volunteers who help care for animals and support shelter operations. Email VolunteerNACC@norfolk.gov or visit www.norfolk.gov/VolunteerNACC to get started.
Donate: EVERY donation, whether supplies or financial support, helps provide care for animals while they wait for their new homes. Click HERE for the shelter’s Amazon Wish List or donate to help fund adoptions HERE.

Donate to Adoption Fund

Pay it Forward at Yorgo's

Every day, Yorgo’s Bageldashery gives away day-old bagels to anyone who needs them. This August, donations for the bagels benefit the Friends of Norfolk Animal Care Center Pet Pantry. Grab some bagels and help fill empty bellies!

Donate to the Pet Pantry

Shelter Star

Hippo is our August Shelter Star! Hippo was found as a stray and is about 4 years old. He is a shy guy who likes to walk around the playyard and watch the cars go by. During doggie playgroups, he is able to be redirected easily and is social and playful

Every month, we’re thrilled to highlight a special pet who may have faced unique challenges, has been a long-term resident, or has touched the hearts of our shelter staff. To help them find the perfect family, Friends of Norfolk Animal Care Center will sponsor their full adoption fee. By covering the adoption fee, we hope to give these "Shelter Stars" a second chance at finding the loving homes they deserve.

Come meet Hippo today! Adoption Hours are 1:30 to 6:00 pm every day (except closed on Wednesdays)

Foster Features

Prince

Evelyn

Mars is a confident, self-assured 10-month-old who operates on a level of emotional intelligence rarely seen in the feline world. She doesn’t just live with you; she understands you. Whether you’ve had a long day or a tough week, Mars has a mystical ability to sense your mood and melt your stress away. She stays grounded through a rigorous "active lifestyle," keeping her hunting skills sharp and her mind focused.

Mars isn't a "love at first sight" kind of girl—she’s an investment. She values mutual respect and healthy boundaries. However, once you’ve earned her seal of approval, you’ve hit the jackpot. You’ll unlock a side of her that is fiercely loyal, deeply affectionate, and entirely worth the wait.

Visit NACC Thursday- Tuesday, 1:30-6 pm to schedule time to meet with this lady and learn more about her!

Meet Joy! She is a wonderfully laid-back 5-year-old lady, and her foster family has had nothing but great things to say about her!

She immediately got along with their dogs, Tyson & Isla, and has done great with their kids. She’s doing amazing with house training—no accidents! She quietly sits by the door when she needs to go out. She slept through the night in her kennel and appears to be kennel trained. She pulls a little on leash but responds very well to correction and is eager to learn. Joy is extremely smart, wants to please, and is a quick learner.

Bonus fact: Joy loves carrots!

Set up a meet-and-greet with Joy today! Email fosternacc@norfolk.gov.

NACC's Pet Pantry

NACC, along with Friends of NACC run the area's only free pet food pantry.

Do you have some spare unopened bags of cat and/or dog kibble? We are more than happy to take them! Our pet pantry serves as a free resource to help those in need of temporary assistance feeding their pets. Sometimes our stock gets a little low. Drop your donations off at NACC - 5585 Sabre Road, Norfolk, VA 23502. Call ahead for shelter hours (757) 441-5505.

NOTE: Only unopened bags of food can be accepted. If you have opened bags of pet food, consider reaching out to area dog and cat rescue's. They may gladly accept and appreciate them.

If you are struggling to feed your pets, we can help! Click here to get more information about NACC's mobile pet pantry and how you can obtain free food to help get you and your pets through tough times.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we reflect on 2025 at FNACC, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication. This year's report highlights the milestones we've achieved together— from successful adoption events and impactful fundraising initiatives to essential medical assistance and community outreach programs.

Highlighted below are a few of our 2025 accomplishments:

FNACC funded medical procedures and special medications for a total of $102,203, including a newly established emergency medical fund of $30,000.
In 2025, we tripled our funding for the free pet pantry at Norfolk Animal Care Center. The on-site and mobile pet pantries provided 22,042 pounds of pet food, helping 4,988 families keep their pets in their homes.
Through our adoption programs, we provided $12,566 in adoption assistance, helping homeless animals find loving homes in 2025.
Lastly, through our ongoing partnership with PETA, we proudly provided free microchipping and monthly spay/neuter clinics for Norfolk residents, reducing pet overpopulation.

We invite you to explore the inspiring stories of resilience and compassion that define our organization. Your steadfast support is the cornerstone of our success, and we are honored to share these accomplishments with you.

To stay informed, we encourage you to subscribe to our email updates, where you’ll receive the latest news about our activities and the many animals we serve.

Thank you for being an integral part of our mission. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for Norfolk’s homeless animals.

With gratitude,

Friends of NACC Board

2025 Annual Report