BECOME A MEMBER

The Virginia Federation of Humane Societies is more than a membership organization. We are a statewide network of shelters, rescues, animal control agencies, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, volunteers, and animal advocates who believe that we accomplish more by working together than we ever could alone.

Our members share a commitment to advancing progressive, evidence-based animal welfare practices and increasing lifesaving across Virginia. While every community and organization is unique, we believe collaboration, education, and the open exchange of ideas are the most powerful tools for creating lasting change.

By becoming a VFHS member, you join a community of professionals and organizations dedicated to learning from one another, sharing resources, supporting innovation, and advocating for policies that improve the lives of animals throughout the Commonwealth. Together, our collective experience, expertise, and voice allow us to accomplish far more than any single organization could achieve on its own.

Whether you represent a large municipal shelter, a small rescue, an animal control agency, a veterinary practice, or simply have a passion for advancing animal welfare, there is a place for you within the Federation.

Membership is renewed annually on a calendar-year basis (January 1 through December 31). New memberships are accepted through July 31 for the current membership year.

MEMBER BENEFITS

LIFESAVING PROGRAMS & GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

VFHS members have access to programs designed to increase lifesaving and strengthen animal welfare organizations across Virginia.

High Five VA connects shelters, rescues, and animal welfare organizations to facilitate lifesaving transfers throughout the Commonwealth. Members can access transfer networking, case support, and financial assistance to overcome barriers to placement, including assistance with medical needs, transportation, short-term boarding, vaccinations, hoarding cases, and other large-scale emergencies.

Through Spay Virginia, eligible member organizations can apply for grants that expand access to affordable spay/neuter services for owned pets, rescue animals, and community cats, helping prevent future shelter intake and improve outcomes statewide.

Members may also request assistance through the Debra Griggs Emergency Rescue Fund, which provides financial and in-kind support to organizations responding to extraordinary situations such as hoarding cases, large-scale neglect, natural disasters, and other urgent animal welfare emergencies.

RESOURCE ACCESS + COST SAVINGS

VFHS works to help member organizations stretch their resources further by creating partnerships that reduce operating costs and increase access to essential supplies.

Through our partnership with Gleaning For The World's Pet Relief Program, VFHS helps provide financial assistance toward large pallets of discounted pet food and other essential pet care supplies for member organizations. These resources help shelters and rescues reduce operating expenses, support foster and adoption programs, and expand pet retention efforts that keep animals in the homes of the families who love them.

EDUCATION + PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

VFHS is committed to providing affordable, accessible learning opportunities for animal welfare professionals across Virginia.

Members receive complimentary registration for our monthly educational webinar series, featuring respected speakers from Virginia and around the country. Many webinars qualify for continuing education credit and cover timely topics in shelter medicine, animal behavior, operations, fundraising, leadership, animal control, community programs, and more.

Members also receive discounted registration for the annual VFHS Conference, Virginia's premier educational event for animal welfare professionals. The conference offers nationally recognized speakers, hands-on learning opportunities, networking, and practical strategies that participants can immediately implement within their organizations.

ADVOCACY AND COLLABORATION

Membership means joining a statewide network committed to strengthening animal welfare through collaboration rather than competition.

VFHS members become part of a community that shares ideas, resources, and best practices throughout the year. Members have access to exclusive networking groups, collaborative problem-solving opportunities, and direct communication with organizations across the Commonwealth.

Together, our members also strengthen Virginia's voice on animal welfare issues. Through VFHS's legislative advocacy efforts, members help inform policies that affect shelters, rescues, animal control agencies, veterinary professionals, and the animals they serve.

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Additional Member Benefits

Membership also includes a variety of exclusive resources and savings, including:

Complimentary annual Virginia Animal Welfare Law Book (one per member organization)
Free job postings on the VFHS website and social media
VFHS membership badge for your website and promotional materials

Membership Expectations

VFHS members share a commitment to humane, ethical, and progressive animal welfare practices. Member organizations are expected to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing animal care and shelter operations while supporting the Federation's mission of improving outcomes for animals through collaboration, education, advocacy, and responsible stewardship.

Because every community faces unique challenges, VFHS respects that organizations may use different approaches to achieve their goals. What unites our members is a shared commitment to working together to advance animal welfare and increase lifesaving throughout Virginia.

Ready to Join?

Whether you're representing an organization or joining as an individual supporter, we'd love to welcome you to the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies!

MEMBERSHIP TYPES

ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Annual Dues: $80

Organizational Membership is designed for nonprofit animal welfare organizations, public and private shelters, rescue organizations, animal control agencies, and other releasing agencies serving the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Organizational Members receive full access to VFHS programs and member benefits, may serve on Federation committees, and have voting privileges in accordance with the VFHS Bylaws. Each member organization designates one representative to serve as its official voting delegate.

Organizations applying for membership may be asked to provide documentation confirming nonprofit status, governance, or operational policies as part of the application review process.

Ideal for:

Animal shelters
Rescue organizations
Animal control agencies
Humane societies
Other eligible nonprofit animal welfare organizations

JOIN TODAY!

SUPPORTING MEMBERSHIP

Annual Dues: $30

Supporting Membership is intended for individuals, businesses, veterinary professionals, students, and organizations that wish to support the mission of VFHS but are not eligible for Organizational Membership.

Supporting Members receive access to many VFHS educational opportunities, networking events, and member communications and are encouraged to participate in committees and Federation initiatives. Supporting Members do not have voting privileges.