Vermont Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society | Programs

Redford, sitting pretty!

Search and Rescue for Animals

Lisa Robinson of Albany, Vermont, does Search and Rescue for animals, with the help of her rescue dogs. Her business is aptly called, "The Nose Knows."

There are a lot of missing dogs and cats in Vermont, NH, and Massachusetts, and Lisa's dogs are a wonderful help in finding these missing animals.

In the picture on the left, her bloodhound, Thurber, sits with his new friend, Ben the Aussie, the day after the smaller dog was found. Lisa's new bloodhound, Redford, shown in the photo on the right, is also very good at tracking missing animals and helping to bring them safely home again.

If you have a beloved animal that is missing, and need the help of Lisa and her dogs, she can be contacted at, by phone: 802-755-6331 or by email: allcritters@wildblue.net

Please see the recent article in the Northeast Kingdom's Chronicle Newspaper at: Bloodhound and owner help find lost pets

Wildlife Rehabilitation

VVSA Humane Society works with Wildlife Rehabilitators to help wild animals get back to the wild. Here raccoons are being released into the wild after taking up residence in a hollow tree in a backyard in the city.

Cruelty Investigations

VVSA works to protect the welfare of animals through investigation of cruelty and neglect complaints. We work with law enforcement agencies throughout the state and have contracted with the Windsor County Sheriff's Department.

Animal Hoarding South Ryegate; November 2010

Political Action

We are fortunate to live in a state that recognizes the need to legislatively protect the welfare of animals. VVSA has been instrumental in the passage of several bills:

1) Update and improvements to the animal welfare statute, includes making some forms of abuse a felony.
2) Creation of Vermont Spay Neuter Incentive Program (VSNIP). VVSA spearheaded the legislative initiative, and now administers this widely successful program.
3) The rabies vaccine injection schedule extended from 2 to 3 years.
4) Prohibition of online Internet Hunting from entering our state.
5) Inclusion of animals in a Relief from Abuse Court order, which protects animals involved in volatile domestic relationships.
6) Inclusion of animals during evacuations following natural disasters.
7) Inclusion of animals in the municipal ticketing system which enables law enforcement to address certain violations of our animal welfare statute (Title 13, Chapter 8 civilly versus criminally. This approach may be the answer to the overcrowded court system that too often ignores the plight of abused animals for lack of time and manpower.

Pending: Pet Merchant

Your input and help is critical to our democratic system. Please call for information on how you can make a difference.

Humane Education and Outreach

VVSA's educational programs have included lecture series in elementary schools, after-school program and senior-citizen centers to discuss animals related topics.

One of the key ways to provide humane education is through the media. VVSA has advertised programs and animal welfare issues through public service announcements, print media, radio and public television.

Look for our new TV show called "For the Animals" broadcasting on all of Vermont's Public Access Stations.

Senior Citizen Assistance

Seniors often rely on animal companionship but can be financially strained due to prohibitive animal care costs. VVSA provides support and assistance to help seniors feed and take care of their animal companions.

Humane Trap, Neuter and Release Programs

VVSA lends humane traps, including a very large dog trap, (free of charge) for the relocation of animals in jeopardy. These traps are made to be safe and humane, and cause no harm to the animal, as well as provide safe interaction for the humans involved.

Forever Homes

VVSA has helped place many animals in need, into their forever home! We strive to find the best placement for animals in need of appropriate homes. If you wish to provide a home to an animal in need, or know someone who does, please contact VVSA at 802-672-5302. Many thanks!

NEW! Foster Home Program

Join our Foster Home program, where we help cats who need time and TLC with humans in order to become adopted. Many cats we help have been living outdoors for some time and need help to become re-integrated within a household. Because they were stray for so long, many of the cats would not do well in a shelter in a cage and would not be accepted by shelters as long-term strays are so fearful. If you have the extra love and can give some one-on-one, we have plenty of cats who could benefit from being fostered. To become a foster caretaker, please call VVSA at 672-5302 or Annie at 779-6022. Of course, if you have interest in adopting a kitty permanently too, please call.