Old Dominion Humane Society Receives Grant for 'Spay it Forward' Program

Contact: Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy

(540) 395-2942

lmullanaphy@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Old Dominion Humane Society Receives Grant for New ‘Spay It Forward’ Program

Rescue’s Mission to Help Reduce Unwanted Pet Population Gets Boost from Grant

Fredericksburg, Va. (May 20, 2026)—Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) rolled out its ‘Spay It Forward’ program, an initiative to secure spay and neuter services for dog owners facing financial challenges. The program was kick-started when the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies (VFHS) awarded a $3,000 grant to provide the services to the community’s pets. The initiative serves Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Caroline counties.

“The ‘Spay It Forward’ program is vital to our community and helps manage the pet population by making sure these surgeries are accessible to the public,” said Chrissy Hamilton, founder of ODHS. “We’re so grateful for the VFHS for awarding us this generous grant that will allow ODHS to help so many people who otherwise might not be able to afford the cost of spaying or neutering their dogs. Caring for pets shouldn’t be something that’s unattainable—ODHS wants to help.”

Residents interested in the program should submit a ‘Spay It Forward’ application on the ODHS website, and it will be reviewed by an ODHS team. A member of the team will contact the resident and collect a $25, non-refundable deposit to secure a spot. ODHS will check its current ‘Spay It Forward’ funds, providing updates about the dog owner’s status in the queue. The timing depends on available donations.

When funding is confirmed, ODHS will issue an official voucher that’s available for six months. Residents with the vouchers can contact Kincheloe Spay & Neuter Clinic directly to book an appointment. The voucher covers all surgical expenses, including pain medication and common upcharges, such as weight and pregnancy fees. Proof of rabies, distemper and a heartworm test must be provided. If these items aren’t supplied by the appointment, Kincheloe will perform them for an $84 fee. (Optional items—anxiety medications, extra vaccines and heartworm prevention aren’t covered but can be added at the expense of the dog owner upon request.)

Dogs must meet the following criteria:

·Size & Age--The dog must be at least three months old and weigh three pounds or more.

·Seniors (six years old and up)--To ensure a safe surgery, Kincheloe will perform a bloodwork panel the morning of the appointment. If results show anesthesia isn’t a fit, a full-service veterinarian will be recommended for the procedure.

·In-Heat—Spaying is safe during all stages of a dog’s heat cycle. There’s no need to wait.

Individuals can take their dogs to Kincheloe North at 452 TV Drive in Fredericksburg or Kincheloe South at 12300 Farrington Road in Ashland. Visit the ODHS website at www.olddominionhumanesociety.org for more information about the program. Apply for a spot in the ‘Spay It Forward’ program by visitinghttps://new.shelterluv.com/form/community/ODHS/133426-spay-neuter.

“We want to keep the ‘Spay It Forward’ program funded and can’t do it without the support of donations,” said Hamilton. “People who want to be part of the solution and make an impact can donate on the ODHS website.”

ODHS is located at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg. Adoption events are Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m., Fridays from 6-8 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Applications in advance are preferred and take priority over walk-ins. For more information about the dogs available for adoption and adoption surveys, as well as upcoming events, volunteering, fostering and donating items, visit https://www.olddominionhumanesociety.org.

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Mission Statement: Old Dominion Humane Society is here to provide well-matched, permanent homes for dogs in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education.