HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA (RHSPCA) is calling on the community for help after receiving a large and unexpected intake from Animal Control. Before noon on Wednesday, nine dogs had already arrived at the shelter.

This intake comes at a time when the RHSPCA is reportedly operating beyond the limits of its available on-campus resources. To create immediate space and ensure every animal continues receiving the care and attention they need, the shelter is working to place 15 dogs into foster homes as soon as possible.

“We need our community’s help today,” said Sara Stone, Director of Development for the RHSPCA. The RHSPCA has also experienced a noticeable decline in foster participation this summer. Shelter staff are not sure what has caused the decrease, particularly because the RHSPCA provides foster families with all necessary supplies, veterinary care, guidance, and ongoing support.

“We understand that summer schedules can be busy, but fostering is designed to be accessible,” Stone said. “We provide the food, supplies, veterinary care, and support. Our foster families provide a temporary home and the breathing room our shelter urgently needs.”

RHSPCA is asking for:

  • Foster homes to provide temporary care and help free up critical shelter space
  • Community members to share the urgent request with friends, family, neighbors, and local groups
  • Adopters ready to provide permanent homes to dogs already available for adoption

Group foster pickups are available:

  • Wednesday, July 15 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, July 16 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m.

Those available to attend a group pickup can register here: Select a Date & Time – Calendly

Those who need an individual pickup appointment can register at: https://calendly.com/hconley-rhspca/foster-pickup-dog

Anyone who can foster but does not see a pickup time that works should email fosterteam@rhspca.org. The RHSPCA team will work to coordinate another option.

For more information about fostering, visit rhspca.org/foster or follow the RHSPCA on social media for updates.