Frequently Asked Questions
Before contacting the PWSPCA, please take a look at the list below that includes many of the questions we are asked through our hotline. If you don't see your answer below or on other sections of our web site, call our hotline at 703/772-2799 or e-mail us.
Q. Why can't I leave a message on your hotline anymore?
A. Many of the messages left on the previous hotline pertained to topics already described in detail on our website. Since the Prince William SPCA is run entirely by volunteers, it became increasingly difficult to return all the calls received in a timely fashion. It was decided that an automated system with detailed information would be better for both the callers and the volunteers. The new hotline has 5 prompts listing specific phone numebrs, addresses, and other information about the PWSPCA, animal welfare, shelters, spaying/neutering and more. For a list of hotline prompts, please click our "Contact Us" page. If your question is not answered by the new hotline or here on our website, we ask that you e-mail us with your questions and a volunteer will get back to you within a week but often times much sooner depending on the volume.
Q. Where can I get my cat or dog spayed or neutered at a reduced cost?
A. The Prince William SPCA runs a spay/nueter transport service monthly. For complete infomration on this program, click here.
The Prince William SPCA also offers a spay/neuter assistance program for low-income families with cats through ACTS. Participants must first qualify for ACTS programs to be eligible. Call the ACTS office at 703-441-8606 for details. The PWSPCA does not currently offer any spay/neuter program for dogs, but suggests the following referral services to individuals with dogs or who do not qualify for the cat spay/neuter program offered above (links to their websites may be found at http://www.pwspca.org/spayneuter.htm):
Q. Does the PWSPCA Offer Euthanization and/or other Vet Care Services?
A. On occasion, the PWSPCA will sponsor low-cost rabies vaccination and microchip clinics, which are advertised on the website at www.pwspca.org. The Prince William SPCA does not provide regular health care or euthanisia services. Please contact your local veterinarian for assistance with these matters. Many vets will offer payment plans. It is also recommended pet owners research and purchase pet insurance to assist with costs of healthcare. Pets adopted from the Prince William County Animal shelter receive 1 free month of insurance.
Q. Where can I adopt a pet?
A. The PWSPCA strongly encourages everyone to adopt their next pet from one of the local animal shelters. There are also many good rescue organizations that have pets available for adoption. Please NEVER buy a pet at a pet store or from an unlicensed dealer as these pets are often sick or have lived in conditions that are inhumane.
Q. Who do I call if I need to give up a pet?
A. Before making the decision to give up a pet, please look at all your options. Pets are family members and should not be looked at as disposable items. If you have to move, make sure your pet is able to go with you. If you or someone in your household is pregnant, know the facts about coexisting with kitty during the pregnancy. If you have exhausted all your options and must give away your pet, please try to find it a good home with a friend or relative. There are some rescue groups that will take the animal but most are already overwhelmed with other pets. Never drop off your pet at a farm or in the woods because domestic pets cannot care for themselves in unfamiliar environments. Your pet will become confused and more than likely be killed by a wild animal or hit on the road as he or she tries to return home. If you must, take your pet to the local shelter but be aware that more than 50% of all pets that end up in many shelters are euthanized.
Q. Can the PWSPCA help me locate a lost Pet?
A. The Prince William SPCA has no facility that holds pets that may be lost. We advise that if you have a pet that is lost that you contact--or better yet visit--the two local shelters in our area. Please keep in mind that stray animals are held often times for only 7 days so visiting the shelters often in the first days of losing your pet is vital to its recovery. If you have other pets, please consider microchipping them so that they may be returned to you if lost. Most animal shelters and veterinary clinics have devices that can read microchip information and will contact you if someone brings in your pet.
Q. I am pregnant and love my two cats. I heard I must give them up for the safety of my baby. Is that true?
A. No. While you need to take special precautions with the litter box, you need not give up your cats just because you are pregnant. Have your husband or other family member tend to the littler box and if you must clean it, do so frequently and always wear gloves.
Q. Is the Prince William SPCA the local shelter?
A. No, the Prince William SPCA and the Prince William County Animal Shelter are not affiliated. The Prince William SPCA is a nonprofit organization made up entirely of volunteers. The Prince William County Animal Shelter is a municipal facility run by the county government. The Prince William SPCA, through its Friends of the Shelter program, works directly with the Prince William County Animal Shelter on projects that help the many animals that end up there.
Q. Can the PWSPCA help me trap a cat?
A. No, the PWSPCA does not have the volunteer staff to assist with trapping of animals. However, we recommend you contact the Prince William County Animal Control at 703/792-6465. They will be able to loan you a humane cage and offer advice.
Q. Help! I have a snake in my bathroom! Who can I call?
A. All non-emergency animal problems need to be fielded through the following police number: (703) 792-6500. If there is an animal emergency that needs immediate attention, please call 911.
Q. I have an injured squirrel in my yard. What can I do?
A. Call Wildlife Rescue League (703) 440-0800 if you have sick or injured wildlife you believe is in need of human assistance. One of their volunteers will return your call and give you instructions on how to proceed.
Their hotline operates from 8 AM to 9 PM (6 PM in winter) every day of the year. If you call after hours, your call will be returned after 8 AM the following day.
Q. What do I do if I witness animal cruelty?
A. The Prince William SPCA does not handle animal emergencies or conduct investigations into animal cruelty. Instead, it refers all reports to the local animal control agencies for the county and city of Manassas. By law, companion animals must be given fresh water and shelter, especially in the hottest and coldest times of the year. To report this or similar incidents, call Prince William County Animal Control at 703/792-6465 or Manassas City Animal Control at 703/257-2420. If the animal is immediate distress, please call 911.
Q. Where can I drop off donations of pet food and supplies?
A. The Prince William SPCA accepts donations of pet food during pet food drives several times during the year. ACTS in Woodbridge has a food pantry that accepts donations on a year-round basis. Call the ACTS office at 703-441-8606 for locations. The Manassas City Animal Adoption Center is always in need of pet food and other items. Please visit their website at www.manassasanimaladoptioncenter.petfinder.com for their wish list. They also accept donations of clean crates and other pet care equipment. Because of space consideration, please contact them before taking any donation to the shelter to make sure they are able to accept it. For a flyer on what the shelters will accept, click here.
Q. Where can I find forms and flyers produced by the PWSPCA?
A. All of our forms can be found on various pages throughout our web site and are listed below for your convenience.
Spay/Neuter Flyer
Pet Identification Flyer
Welcome to the Community Flyer
Volunteer Application
Membership Form
Kids Club Form
Donation Form
Corporate Sponsor Form
Pet Adoption Mailbox Flyer
Contact Us:
P.O. Box 6631 • Woodbridge, VA 22195 • Hotline: 703/772-2799
E-mail: pwspca@pwspca.org