Our Mission
To ensure that every adoptable animal brought to the PRAS shelter can find a forever home.
What is PRAS?
PRAS stands for the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter. This is the highest intake shelter in Virginia. It is also an open admission shelter, meaning it will never turn away an animal. PRAS accepts animals from across four jurisdictions in the Peninsula region of Hampton Roads: Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, and York County.
Who are Friends of PRAS?
Friends of PRAS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization comprised of a board with 8 members. This board of animal lovers (many of which have adopted animals from PRAS) volunteer their time to supporting the success of the shelter. With 7 voting board members and 1 advisory member, Friends of PRAS is dedicated to saving the lives of our communities’ vulnerable animal population and serving the animals’ best interests.
While Friends of PRAS and the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter are two different entities, we work very closely together. Friends of PRAS collaborates directly with the shelter to ensure that every adoptable animal brought to the shelter can find a forever home. This is why we need your help!
Why Do We Need Your Help?
The shelter is funded by the city jurisdictions to provide things like staffing, food, basic veterinary supplies, operations and maintenance. The shelter accepts in-person item donations, such as food, toys, and treats. However, sometimes the shelter is not eligible for support from philanthropic organizations because it is not recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. These circumstances can make it difficult for the animals to get extra, specialized, and sometimes emergency care that falls outside of city funding and in-person item donations.
This is where we (and you) come in. Friends of PRAS bridges the gap to secure the most beneficial resources for the shelter. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Friends of PRAS can provide additional fundraising, applying for foundation grants, and help provide extra funding for extraordinary needs like special medications, behavioral training, and surgeries.
Friends of PRAS uses our very close relationship with the shelter to stay up to date and know what their current and most important needs are. This allows supporters, like you, to make general donations that will provide the most benefit to the animals and make the biggest impact. ALL of the donations to Friends of PRAS will directly benefit the shelter. By supporting and donating to Friends of PRAS, you can help the shelter get exactly what they need, when they need it, especially in emergencies.
What Can Your Donations Go Towards?
Emergency Surgery and Care
Sponsoring Adoption Fees
Extra Veterinary Care (i.e. Special Medications, Advanced Treatments, Behavioral Training)
Microchipping
Community Education and Outreach Events
Surrender Prevention
Enrichment Toys and Activities
All donations to Friends of PRAS directly benefit the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter.
Donate
The best way to show your support is by making a tax deductible donation. All donations go to directly benefiting the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter. By donating, you will be making a difference to all of the animals at the shelter.
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