Pet Programs

Norfolk Animal Care Center (NACC) provides a safe haven and compassionate care for animals that have been lost, abandoned, abused or neglected, and those who are turned in by loving families who are no longer able to keep a beloved pet.

Norfolk Animal Care Center is the advocate these animals need and Friends of Norfolk Animal Care Center is an advocate for NACC itself, leveraging local resources, recruiting financial support and inspiring community compassion.

Our many programs include:

Medical Assistance: Friends provides funds for special medical procedures needed by NACC shelter animals such as heartworm treatments, corrective surgery and dental needs.

Subsidized Adoptions: Friends helps fund and promote ongoing, reduced-fee adoption events. Some events are holiday themed; others focus on the shelter’s busiest season—spring to early summer.

Golden Paws: The goal of Golden Paws Senior Adoption Program is a quicker placement for older pets. It encourages adopters to find a mature, house-trained and well-behaved companion who might otherwise be overlooked. Golden Paws assists both senior shelter animals with placement into a new home and also gives senior adopters (over the age of 65) an opportunity to adopt a new companion at reduced or even no cost. Learn more about this program.

Best Buds: Originally designed to help bonded pairs find homes together with a 2-for-1 adoption deal, the program now covers any two adoptions that happen at the same time by the same family- regardless of species, breed or intake situation.

Foster Program: Friends supports NACC’s foster program, which gives shelter animals the extra care necessary so they may be placed for adoption. Some animals requiring temporary foster homes are too young for adoption, may have an injury or may need a different environment than the shelter can provide.

Fundraising: We have several events and activities throughout the year that make it easy to get involved and to make a difference. For more information about ways you can get involved, give back and just have fun, click here.

Pets for Patriots, Inc. Norfolk Animal Care Center partners with the national Pets for Patriots, Inc., a not-for-profit that connects loyal adult shelter pets with our country's loyal service men and women, to increase the adoption of adult and other at-risk shelter pets. Learn more about this program.

Pet Pantry: Friends started the Friends Pet Pantry in July 2011 to help financially strapped pet owners care for their animals. The pantry gives pet food and pet supplies to seniors and other pet owners in need. The goal is to prevent the surrender of companion animals to the shelter. Learn more about this program.

Spay/Neuter Clinics: Friends of NACC partners with other local organizations to offer low or no-cost spay/neuter clinics in targeted neighborhoods of Norfolk. Learn more about this program.

Infrastructure Improvements: Friends provides fund for infrastructure projects and improvements at NACC, such as a remodeled reception area, additional “meet and greet” rooms, and the prototype of state-of-the-art cat enclosures.

Special Supplies and Equipment: Friends also provides special supplies and equipment to the shelter, such as elevated dog beds, microchip scanners, interactive toys, and cameras.

Shelter Star: 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. Our Shelter Star of the Month program is dedicated to showcasing these incredible animals who deserve a second chance. To help them find the perfect family, Friends of NACC will sponsor their full adoption fee. By covering the adoption fee, we hope to give these "Shelter Stars" the best chance at finding the loving homes they deserve.