A VISION FOR VIRGINIA'S FUTURE
Since its founding in 1959, the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies has worked to bring Virginia's animal welfare community together around a shared purpose: improving the lives of animals through collaboration, education, advocacy, and innovation. While the challenges facing shelters, rescues, animal control agencies, and veterinary professionals have evolved over the decades, our commitment to supporting the people doing this work has remained constant.
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Every few years, VFHS develops a strategic plan that reflects the needs and priorities of our members. These plans serve as a roadmap for the Federation's programs, partnerships, advocacy efforts, and organizational growth, helping ensure that our work remains focused on the areas where we can have the greatest impact. From our first strategic plan in 2006 to the updates that followed, each iteration has built upon the progress of those before it while adapting to the changing landscape of animal welfare.
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Previous strategic plans centered on helping Virginia reduce the euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals by strengthening collaboration, supporting transfers, expanding lifesaving programming, and building capacity within shelters and rescues across the Commonwealth. Those efforts helped shape many of the Federation's signature programs and reinforced our belief that lasting progress is achieved when organizations work together rather than alone.
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Today, Virginia has made significant progress toward increasing lifesaving, and VFHS's strategic priorities have evolved alongside it. While positive outcomes for healthy, treatable, and safe animals remain at the heart of our mission, we recognize that meaningful progress is measured through a broader understanding of community impact. By leveraging statewide data, expanding education and resources, strengthening veterinary access, and fostering collaboration across the profession, VFHS is working to build a stronger and more sustainable animal welfare system for every community in Virginia.
OUR GOALS
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Grow and Strengthen Membership
A strong Federation begins with a strong membership. VFHS is committed to growing and diversifying our network of shelters, rescues, animal control agencies, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students, and individual advocates. By expanding membership, enhancing member benefits, and creating meaningful opportunities for engagement, we strengthen the collective voice of animal welfare throughout Virginia.
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Expand Resources, Education, and Collaboration
VFHS exists to support the organizations and professionals working on the front lines of animal welfare. Through grants, practical toolkits, webinars, conferences, networking opportunities, and peer-to-peer collaboration, we provide resources that help organizations solve today's challenges and prepare for tomorrow's opportunities. By sharing knowledge and elevating proven best practices, we help strengthen animal welfare across the Commonwealth.
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Improve Access to Veterinary Care
Access to affordable veterinary care remains one of the greatest challenges facing both shelters and pet owners. Through Spay Virginia, veterinary grant programs, strategic partnerships, and legislative advocacy, VFHS is working to expand access to preventative care, support innovative service delivery models, and address workforce shortages that affect communities across Virginia. These efforts help keep pets healthy, reduce unnecessary shelter intake, and improve outcomes for animals statewide.
A LIVING ROADMAP
The strategic plan is more than just a document: it is a commitment to continuous improvement. As the needs of Virginia's communities change, so too will the Federation's priorities. VFHS regularly evaluates emerging challenges, listens to its members, reviews statewide data, and adapts its programs and advocacy efforts to ensure they remain relevant and impactful.
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By working together, sharing knowledge, and pursuing common goals, we can continue building a Virginia where every community has the tools, partnerships, and resources needed to improve the lives of animals and the people who care for them.
