RICHMOND, Va. -- The Richmond SPCA announced its plans to expand in an effort to save more animal lives. The Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital will be built in an 18,000-square-foot space next to the Robins-Starr Humane Center on Hermitage Road. The hospital will offer "full-service veterinary care at a low cost," the SPCA announced.
Richmond SPCA CEO Robin Starr said the low-cost care would help move the SPCA closer to its goal of making Richmond a "no-kill community."
Richmond SPCA CEO Robin Starr
"Many people of low income love their pets dearly, but when the pet becomes sick they are unable to afford veterinary care and they end up having to either relinquish the pet at an animal shelter, or have the pet euthanized for a condition that could have been treatable," Starr said. "This has the effect of ensuring that fewer animals come into animal shelters."
Starr said the low-cost care could also help convince people who would not adopt a pet due to costs, to reconsider that decision.
"That's a great many possible homes for adoptions," she said. "This will give them a resource and I believe that will mean a lot more people of modest means will be able to have a pet in their life."
The Richmond SPCA has raised about $10.5 million toward its $11.5 million goal to help fund the construction project.
"I want to thank my friend Tony Markel and his daughters for making an early leadership gift to name the portion of the building that will house our permanent veterinary hospital in memory of Tony's late wife, Sue," Chairman of the Campaign for Compassionate Care Stuart C. Siegel said. "The Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital will be a wonderful and lasting tribute to Sue, and we are deeply grateful to Tony and his family for their dedicated support."
Construction on the Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital began this week. It is expected to be completed in November. Once it is up and running, the hospital should see about 9,000 pets a year.
