The Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection (RCACP) debuted its new mobile unit for pet adoptions at the Vinton Fall Festival on October 14. They set up shop in the parking lot at the Vinton Library to showcase the new adoption trailer with the assistance of staff and many volunteers.
Vinton Town Manager Barry Thompson, who is the chairman of the executive committee for the RCACP, said, “I think using the new trailer was a great success. It is an easier way to take the animals to events. As a result of being at the Vinton Fall Festival, there were four cats and one dog that were adopted. We estimate that about 200 people came by to play with the dogs and cats and we were able to advertise the RCACP and the animals that we house.”
Purchase of the new adoption trailer was made possible through a $26,000 grant from PetSmart Charities. It gives the RCACP the opportunity to introduce pets available for adoption, and also to spread awareness of the center and its programs.
The RCACP facility is located on Baldwin Avenue in Roanoke City, just over the line from Vinton. Mike Warner, who has served Roanoke County in law enforcement for 34 years, was named interim executive director for the organization in July.
The center’s mission is to work through a regional partnership to provide temporary shelter for stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals and return them to their owners or find them permanent suitable new “forever” homes.
The Regional Center serves the City of Roanoke, the Counties of Botetourt and Roanoke, and the Town of Vinton, and is an “open intake facility.” It primarily handles stray animals picked up by the Animal Control officers employed by the municipalities, but also accepts strays that are found, and animals owned by citizens of the municipalities served. Each year the Regional Center receives between 4,000 and 6,000 animals.
The RCACP has several more events lined up for this fall to showcase local animals (both cats and dogs) available for adoption.
The trailer fits three dogs on the bottom level, puppies and cats on the top. Other animals are transported to the events in crates, as well.
Warner said that the RCACP is willing to visit area businesses during their lunch hours with pets available for adoption. Employees are welcome to pet and walk the animals, which will serve as stress release for both animals and humans, as well as provide the opportunity for socialization for the pets and for adoptions.
More information is available by calling 344-4922 or by visiting their website at www.rcacp.org.