Non-Judgmental Relinquishment Conversations

When people come to or call the Richmond, Virginia SPCA to surrender animals, a staff member engages them in a meaningful, non-judgmental conversation designed to identify the real reasons for relinquishment and recommend good alternatives.

"Instead of the traditional negative view of the public as the ones responsible for animal suffering, the staff had to embrace the idea that people are basically good and want to help... In short, they had to learn to trust the public. That took time."
Richmond SPCA

What It Takes

• Staff members willing to be non-judgmental toward people relinquishing animals.
• 6 months of staff training.
• Good alternatives to relinquishment, such as behavior training, low-cost spay/neuter, a guide to pet-friendly housing, and re-homing services.

Step by Step

1. Download the complete profile  (.pdf)
2. Assess for yourself whether this program is right for your agency.
3. Use the profile to create and implement a plan for your agency.
4. Tell us how it goes.