This past year has been one of incredible change for our organization, all designed to keep in step with the needs of our community and their animals. While our mission to eliminate animal suffering and increase human compassion stayed constant, the work done to accomplish this was refreshed, reviewed, and even reinvented for stronger results.

This reinvention began with the full operation of our expanded clinic. The increase in spaces demanded more staffing, greater expertise, improved technology and equipment, and teamwork in harmony to produce quality results. All were in play to meet the growth in demand from our pet owners for accessible, affordable care. We have used the second installment from our PetSmart Charities Accelerator grant to focus on effective and efficient staffing and compensation, combined with advanced continuing education to keep the talent pool best equipped to serve the most important needs of the animals. We will continue to focus on these areas with our final grant installment for 2026.

The medical care extends to our shelter animals and provides the healthiest adoption candidates possible. With a fresh perspective in our shelter leadership, protocols and methodologies have been updated to meet today’s shelter environment. The difficult nature of sheltering and caring for homeless animals was more apparent in 2025 than in recent years. The economic and emotional factors that drove intakes up also affected the number of adoptions. The shelter teams worked diligently to create pathways for second chances even when the obstacles were tough. Our focus on medical care, enrichment, foster options, and solid animal welfare expertise welcomed over 17,000 people through our doors and helped find solutions or connections for close to 2,000 animals.

Our strategic plan for 2026-2028 was created with strong, innovative input from all areas of leadership and our board of directors. There is a pragmatic operational vision in conjunction with stretch goals for the sustainability and success of our business—not just our mission. Growth is inevitable as the community need is never stagnant, but controlled growth is the stabilizer for our nonprofit initiatives. Operating on a zero-based budget is mandatory. The renewed focus on outreach and structure of our development and marketing teams is a clear example of reviewing the current state and building for an improved future state. For 2026, we will ask more of our leadership to guide the business through multiple channels while controlling expenses with intentional, impactful solutions. It’s a balancing act and I feel strongly we have the team that can be successful in their outcomes.

The wins of the year also include the change in venue of our Wags and Whiskers Gala to the Marriott Oceanfront with a return this year on April 11th; a sold out, fun-filled Puttin’ for Paws Golf tournament; a new fully equipped Neuter Scooter to be delivered in the first quarter of 2026, allowing us to reach more animals throughout Hampton Roads more safely; six new board members to help guide the organization and be voices for our mission; successful donor interactions throughout the year culminating in a fabulous donor appreciation event at the Breeden home in December; and the retention of dedicated staff through a renewed focus on a positive culture and continuous learning. Teamwork starts at the top here and extends throughout the organization; sharing what we know ensures success.

As we close the 2025 year, it is important to recognize that the greatest wins are those that involve our four-legged friends—whether adoption, behavior counseling, healing, or rescue—we exist to do our work because the cause is simple: they NEED us.

As we enter 2026, we know that change is constant, the future unknown, the care never stops. But we can enter 2026 with the grace that gives each of us the spirit and energy to serve a purpose greater than ourselves. That is my intention.

With a grateful heart
-Derby

VBSPCA Puttin’ For Paws
The 2025 VBSPCA Puttin’ for Paws Charity Golf Tournament will once again take place Friday, October 3rd. This event is more than just a day on the greens, it is a great opportunity to showcase your business. While we are sold out for foursome we have a few sponsorship opportunities available. Click here for more information. 

Pet Personality Contest 
Show off your pet’s winning personality with the Virginia Beach SPCA’s Pet Personality Photo Contest! From silly to serious, active to couch potatoes, share your furry friend in their element for a chance to win a custom piece of artwork of your pet. Once you’ve entered, be sure to share the contest with your friends and family so they can cast their votes. Best of all, proceeds will benefit the homeless animals of the VBSPCA.

25% Off Microchips! 
This month, keep your pet safe and save money! We’re offering 25% off microchip services at our clinic throughout August.
Visit vbspca.com/clinic to learn more and schedule your appointment today!

All Year Long – Sustainable Support

The Adventures of Lucky and Bud
Share a sweet story of compassion for animals and support the Virginia Beach SPCA! Author Frank Pengitore of the children’s book The Adventures of Lucky and Bud will donate a portion of sales along with a copy of this book for the VBSPCA’s Humane Education program library.

Black Dog Real Estate LLC
Looking for a new home? Try Black Dog Real Estate. A total of 5% of each sales commission will be donated to the VBSPCA. Click here to learn more.

Kroger Plus
You can help homeless animals anytime you buy groceries at Kroger! Simply sign up, swipe your Plus Card when you shop, and a portion of the sale will be donated back to the VBSPCA! Sign up to participate here.

Jennifer Brickhouse Realtor
Realtor Jennifer Brickhouse of the Real Estate Group is turning housewarmings into homecomings. She is sponsoring the adoption fee of one adoptable animal at the VBSPCA for each house sold. Click here to learn more.

Become a Loyal Life Saver

As a Loyal Lifesaver, you provide dependable support to the more than 1,800 homeless animals cared for by the Virginia Beach SPCA each year. Your monthly gift can be applied to the area of greatest need across the shelter or focused on the Miracle Medical Fund, which covers the cost of veterinary care for all shelter animals.

Support the VBSPCA through a Pampered Chef fundraiser! Up to 15% of sales come directly to us, and our consultant donates half their commission back, using the rest for participant gifts. Orders ship straight to you, and proceeds go directly to the VBSPCA to help animals in need!

Papa John’s Pizza of Hampton Roads
Pizza tastes better when it is for a great cause! Use promo code VBSPCA whenever you order from any of Papa John’s 27 locations in Hampton Roads and 20 percent of net sales are donated back to us. Combine this with promo VBSPCA5 to receive five percent off any order of $25 or more. 

The Virginia Beach SPCA is incredibly grateful for the continued support from our local community. If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser or event supporting the VBSPCA, please contact our Outreach Department at outreach@vbspca.spinmodern.co.

With the first anniversary of his Gotcha Day approaching, we caught up with Samantha, Brandon, and Boomhauer to see how this handsome hound is doing.

How did you know Boomhauer was the one for you?

I was checking the VBSPCA website before the start of an Old Dominion University football game. I stumbled upon Boomhauer and was immediately drawn to his charming face and his black and white plaid bow tie collar. The next day we were waiting for the doors to open so we could meet him. As soon as we saw his gentle nature, we knew he was the goodest boy.

How is Boomhauer doing in the home?

Boomhauer is doing excellent! Early on he had a little struggle adjusting to crate training and was a little skittish of loud noises. Now he is an amazingly well behaved and confident boy who loves to play and do tricks. He only occasionally counter surfs, but only if the food smells really yummy.

What sort of activities do you do together?

Boomhauer loves camping with his family, going on long walks, and playing lots of tug-o-war with his dad. He is also a skilled squeaky toy hunter. He enjoys playing with his four-legged neighbors too. Boomhauer loves running and jumping any chance he gets.

Does Boomhauer have any funny quirks?

Boomhauer has lots to say and is not afraid to tell you. He enjoys climbing on things like a cat or mountain goat. He is also very routine oriented. For example, walks must be at the same time every day or he is not happy.  

How has Boomhauer enriched your lives so far?

We are so thankful to have Boom as a part of our lives. He can be stubborn, but we love him with our whole hearts just as he loves us. Boomhauer has brought us closer together at home and helped us enjoy new experiences. Nothing beats watching him run in circles when we get home and early morning nose boops to remind us that we must wake up on time so he can eat. We also spend more time outside than before adopting him.

We were disheartened to hear he had been returned to the VBSPCA prior to our meeting him, but we are happy to say he was the perfect addition to our home. We wouldn’t trade cuddling with him for anything in this world.

The funds awarded to the Virginia Beach SPCA in 2021 will be used to make necessary improvements throughout the shelter and clinic, including a major upgrade to our server and clinic software as well as new lighting in our parking lot to improve safety on our property. Most importantly, the funds will help decrease the stress levels for our animals through the installation of sound absorbent acoustical tiles in our kennel and lobby and the addition of a divider wall in our kennel. Improvements will also be made to our doors to minimize the sound that travels from the kennel to the cattery, decreasing the stress levels in our feline residents. We are part way through the completion of these projects and look forward to full completion later this summer. 

Alfred L. Nicholson served on the boards of area animal shelters and owned the Canine Country Club in Virginia Beach. Nicholson, who was nicknamed Captain Nick, died in 1997 at age 93. His bequest created a field-of-interest fund at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation that will forever help animals in need. “The Alfred L. Nicholson Fund provides the VBSPCA the opportunity to care for animals until they find their forever homes,” said Linda Rice, Vice President for Grantmaking. “The community foundation applauds area shelters that show compassion for the welfare of the region’s vulnerable animals.”

After serving for one year as Interim CEO of the VBSPCA, Derby Brackett has stepped into the position permanently. Brackett is originally from Richmond, Virginia, but she’s been a Virginia Beach resident since 2017. As the Chief Executive Officer of the VBSPCA, she will bring vision and stability to the organization while continuing to further and serve the mission that has guided the VBSPCA for over 50 years. Her most recent professional experience includes 10 years in an executive role at Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia. Prior to that, Derby worked with Ukrop’s Supermarkets, a family owned, values based grocery leader in Richmond. Her experience is based in project management, communications and advocacy, and servant leadership, with a firm focus on strategic visioning, solutions grounded business, and community impact. She also serves as a member of the board of the LIFT Fitness Foundation and is an active member of 757 Angels.

While in her 12 month stint as Interim CEO, Derby established clear values for the organization, and her groundwork will be a guiding force in all that lies ahead for the animals and people of the VBSPCA. The Virginia Beach community can look forward to an animal shelter driven by empathy, compassion, dedication, collaboration, innovation, and joy, all pillars of an organization that seeks to serve.  

Derby enjoys all outdoor activities including running, biking, skiing, walking the dog, and, lately, has tried paddle boarding. But most of all, loves spending time with her husband, Doug, and extended family including her black lab, Rainey Storm.

“I feel that I have come full circle in my career- making the transition from human services to animal welfare provides me with great opportunity to provide leadership and create impact in an arena in which I have been most passionate since childhood. I can put my BS in Zoology as well as my long-time values-based leadership skills to work together! I am humbled and honored to serve the skilled staff, engaged Board of Directors, and most of all, the animals in our care.”  -Derby Brackett

To contact Derby Brackett, send an email to ceo@vbspca.spinmodern.co.