SPCA NoVa

06/30/2026

Summer is here - and with it, potential dangers for your pet! Please see the ASPCA's infographic below for more information.

06/21/2026

The 4th of July is coming up and this year, especially here in the DC Metro Area, they are planning very big fireworks displays. Make plans now to keep your pets calm and safe.

Last night, while out on a walk with my dog, the unexpected happened. Someone decided to set off a couple of loud fireworks.

We were over a mile from home, and the change in my dog’s behavior was immediate. He became noticeably stressed and started pulling hard toward home, clearly wanting to get away from the noise.

I understand that people want to celebrate and have fun, but fireworks can have a real impact on pets, wildlife, and some people. If you’re going to use fireworks, please consider leaving them to the professionals or saving them for the actual Fourth of July.

A little consideration can make a big difference for those who don’t understand what’s happening—they just know they’re scared.

04/03/2026

With Easter just around the corner, please remember that ALL parts of Easter lilies can be deadly to cats, including pollen! The best way to keep your cat safe is to keep lilies out of the house.

12/31/2025

Pet Poison Helpline outlines tips to keep and safe this , including from fireworks 🎆, drinks 🍹 and decorations 🏮! Read below for more information. Wishing you and all your family members 🐶 🐱 a SAFE and happy New Year! 🎊🎈🎆

12/31/2025

Dear Human,
It’s me, your cat. I consulted with Jackson Galaxy (on TV, but still) and he reminded me: the best relationships are built on consistency, trust, and snacks. Mostly snacks.
So for 2026, here are our Mew Year’s resolutions:

Cat Resolutions (me):
• Expand Cat Mojo by claiming every sunny spot in the house
• Improve my wellness routine with more naps (for my mental health)
• Practice restraint by only knocking down things I reallywant to see break
• Make time in my busy schedule to play with you every day

Human Resolutions (you):
• Practice mindful bond-building by keeping my favorite essentials stocked

Happy New Year!

12/17/2025

Thanks to You, We Beat Our Goal! Because of your generosity on GivingTuesday, we shot past our $15,000 goal. Together we raised $18,107! You are our heroes.

We hope you found Smoky’s story inspirational. We are always awed by the way our rescues, who sometimes have severe injuries, rebound when they receive exceptional care and love. We also hope that Tess’s story will lead her to the perfect forever home soon. Thank you for making brighter futures possible!

https://spcanova.org/stray-kitten-struggles-to-survive-outdoors-with-ruptured-eye/

https://spcanova.org/overlooked-dog-needs-good-home/

12/03/2025

Smoky's Happy Ending

Smoky was adopted two months after his surgery by another kind woman who was looking to expand her feline family. Now called Captain Peanut (or just Peanut), he settled into his new home easily – bringing with him a whirlwind of energy and curiosity. At first his new feline sister, Lucy, was skeptical but it did not take long for her to realize they could be best buds. Peanut and Lucy play, groom and cuddle with each other endlessly. A happy ending to what could have been a tragic story.

Thank you to all who donated for Giving Tuesday - we couldn’t do what we do without your support!

12/03/2025

** Tess -

Like so many rock bands, all too soon the Three Musketeers disbanded. Todd was the first puppy to be adopted. Then Tripp found his forever home. Despite her sweet personality, Tess was passed over again and again. Do people prefer male dogs, we wondered? Tess found new playmates among our other dogs, but no forever home.

In late 2024, Tess got an application. It was with a family in a busy household, with a cat in residence. Quite a change from her quiet life at the kennel! Tess adored her new human mom and loved the youngest child. She even got along with the cat. But the boisterous twin boys were a little too much for her. She was also anxious with the neighborhood noises – cars, a nearby freeway, and the raucous children at the nearby school. Ultimately, everyone agreed that the household was not a good match for Tess and she returned to SPCA NOVA.

Since then, people have shown interest in Tess, but nobody has taken her home. We don’t understand why. This lovely, elegant dog is smart and affectionate. She enjoys lounging with her people while they work. Tess has learned “Sit” and “Down.” She’s very good at catching treats on the fly. Maybe she could transfer that to catching frisbees? She enjoys car rides. She walks well on a leash, but can be distracted by noises (and squirrels). Could your home be the one for her?

12/03/2025

** Smoky - continued:

The ophthalmologist determined the damage to his eye was caused by trauma. She also told us the initial injury had healed and the wound was about two to three months old. We were horrified to think that Smoky had been suffering for so long. The initial injury and infection that developed must have been very painful. The vet indicated that Smoky had no vision in this eye and that the eye needed to be surgically removed. If left untreated, the constant inflammation would cause ongoing infections and could lead to a rare cancer of the eye.

We scheduled Smoky for surgery to have his damaged eye removed. Meanwhile, we began Smoky’s additional vet care, including vaccines and some tests, which found that Smoky was infected with three types of parasites and also had an ear infection.

Poor Smoky had been living outdoors with all these medical issues for a long time. We honestly don’t know how such a young kitty had managed to survive his ordeal.

Luckily, Smoky’s eye surgery went well. The veterinary ophthalmologist and the surgical team also did the neutering so he would not have to undergo two separate surgeries. Smoky recovered well from his eye surgery.

Next episode: A New Home and Best Friend