About Friends of NACC

 

How it all began...

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In 2005, a small group of caring citizens banded together with the goal of providing additional medical care for animals in Norfolk’s City Shelter. Thus the Medical Fund for animals was born, spurred by a $750 donation.

 

This small group lit a spark, encouraging more citizens to get involved and to identify additional ways they could help the city’s homeless pets. 

Financial support expanded, participation grew, and in 2008 the organization’s name was changed to Friends of the Norfolk Animal Care Center (Friends).

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This evolution signaled broader growth as sponsored programs increased to include not only medical support, but also funding of adoption programs, sponsoring spay/neuter programs, and promoting adoption and rescue.

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From the initial six-member Board, Friends has grown to a 14-member Board with a network of volunteers and growing financial resources. The original $750 donation has advanced into an annual operating budget of nearly $100,000, with all proceeds benefiting the Norfolk Animal Care Center and community.

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While the City of Norfolk provides for the basics—housing, feeding and initial vaccinations, much more help is needed to prepare and place these pets in good homes. That's where Friends of NACC, as a nonprofit 501(c) 3, comes in.

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Many animals arrive injured, neglected, mistreated, orphaned and needing medical care as well as forever homes. Our additional support enables staff to give the extra care and attention these animals need. Funds raised are used to market and advertise the shelter's programs, sponsor special adoption events, underwrite a foster program for the most vulnerable, fund medical procedures, support improvements to the shelter, facilities and housing, educate the public about responsible pet ownership, and promote spay/neuter in the community.
 

Together, the staff of Norfolk Animal Care Center and Friends board and volunteers strive together to bring a happy outcome for all of Norfolk's shelter animals. To learn more about our programs – including special adoption programs for senior pets, medical care, and fundraisers – and how you can help, click here.