Frequently Asked Questions

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Barring some mistake on our part, any animal listed as available on our website, or any site that shares our animal listings (AdoptAPet, PetFinder, etc.), is available. 

Barring some mistake on our part, any animal should be appropriately listed as altered on our website or any site that shares our animal listings (AdoptAPet, PetFinder, etc). As a rule, we do not do pediatric alters. If you adopt an animal from us that is younger than 6 months of age, you will be required to have the animal altered by 6 months.

We are a completely foster-based organization and do not have a physical shelter location. You can find us at local events (see our Facebook page for Event postings). Otherwise, please fill out an adoption application. 

Submitting an application doesn’t obligate you to adopt; it simply ensures your eligibility. Since our animals live in foster homes, we prioritize protecting our volunteers’ privacy and time. Meeting potential adopters who would be approved is an essential step in the process.

Please see our Adoption Process page.

You can view our adoption fees on our Adoption Process page.  

Please see our Adoption Application. 

Our dedicated volunteers handle application processing, but due to their availability and commitment, it may take more than a week to process your application. We sincerely apologize for any delay and understand that waiting can be stressful. Your understanding and support mean a lot to us as we work together to find the best match for our animals. 

While we strive to process applications promptly, please understand that due to the high volume of applications, we may not be able to provide individual notifications if an application is rejected. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work diligently to find the best matches for our animals. 

We are headquartered in Winchester, VA, and operate through a network of shelter and rescue partners spanning the southern states and eastern seaboard.

Please note that we do not have a physical facility; all our animals reside in loving foster homes.

We require a kitten to be 10 weeks of age, while puppies to be 8 weeks of age, before they are adopted. We may list a puppy or kitten as available before they're able to leave our care to get them an approved home to move into as soon as they reach the appropriate age.

While we are committed to helping animals in need, we cannot guarantee that we will have available space for your pet. However, we would be happy to provide resources and guidance on how you can keep your pet. Please feel free to reach out to us at adoptions@shirleysanimals.org. 

We are always looking for dedicated and loving foster homes that can temporarily house our adoptable animals. Please see our foster process for more information. 

Our Cat Spay/Neuter & Vaccination Assistance Program provides low‑cost spay/neuter surgery, core vaccinations, parasite treatment, and basic preventive care for cats in Winchester City and Frederick County, Virginia. This program does not cover emergency or life‑threatening medical situations. 

Any cat owner seeking affordable spay/neuter or preventive care may apply. Approval is based on program capacity, veterinary scheduling, and community need. Submission of an application does not guarantee service. 

This program was made possible thanks to a very generous anonymous donor whose support allowed us to launch this initiative. Continued donations from the community help us expand services and assist more families in need. 

 No. We are unable to assist with emergency, urgent, or life‑threatening medical situations. If your cat is experiencing an emergency, please contact your nearest veterinary hospital immediately.

Yes. Any services beyond those pre‑approved — including diagnostics, follow‑up care, complications, or emergency treatment — are the owner’s financial responsibility. CPR and resuscitative efforts are not covered under any circumstances. 

You can submit an application by visiting the Cat Spay/Neuter Program page. All information must be accurate and complete. You are responsible for verifying requested services directly with the veterinary provider at check‑in. 

Services are provided through our partnering veterinary clinics. While you cannot select a different provider through this program, all clinics we work with are trusted, experienced, and committed to animal welfare. 

No. Spay/neuter procedures performed through our partner clinics are same‑day surgeries. Cats are typically dropped off in the morning and picked up later the same day unless the veterinarian determines otherwise. 

No, we do not offer transportation services. It will be your responsibility to get your cat to their scheduled appointment.  

We do accept feral and semi‑feral cats for spay/neuter services. Please ensure the cat arrives in a secure trap for the safety of both the animal and clinic staff. If you need assistance trapping the cat(s), please indicate this on your application so our team can coordinate support.

Yes. You may submit an application for multiple cats, but approval is based on program capacity and community need.

Core vaccines typically include Rabies and FVRCP (cats). Additional vaccines may be available depending on the clinic, but they may not be covered under the assistance program.