Frequently asked questions ... and their answers

Q: Who is Rikki?
A: Rikki was the beloved cat of Louise Arnold Hilliard who gave a substantial bequest in his name that enabled the founding of an all-species animal sanctuary in Orange, Virginia.

Q: Rikki said you would take my animal.
A: No he didn't. Rikki is a cat who died in 1996. Kerry Hilliard is the only one who can approve an animal coming to the sanctuary. When Kerry approves an animal you will need to send vet records and sign forms before coming out. Our staff and volunteers know this and have instructions to send people away if they just show up and try to leave their animals behind.

We also have video surveillance at different points on the property and anyone who trys to "dump and run" will be prosecuted. Sorry to sound harsh, but we had to do something after we found near-death puppies in our dumpster -- they were in a half-closed box. Another person left a "pet raccoon" (illegal in Virginia) at our gate. The raccoon opened the crate he was in, wandered to a neighboring property and was killed by dogs.

Q: I need to get rid of this animal today. I don't want him to go to be killed at the shelter. How can I make arrangements for this to happen?
A: Rikki's usually has animals waiting months to get in. On rare occassion, and with prior approval, this can be speeded up. These cases are generally when a tragedy happens, when a person is going into hospice care, or when someone has died suddenly.

If you are bound and determined to "get rid of" your pet immediately there is generally nothing we can do. If you are willing to put some work into getting your pet re-homed we can offer some assistance with promoting your pet, advice for screening applicants, and a generic adoption application.

Q: I called five times and nobody has gotten back to me. I need an answer now!
A: Caring for several hundred animals is pretty much a full-time, 24/7 job. The staff's responsibility is to feed, clean, medicate and be at the disposal of our animals. Kerry responds to email and phone calls when everything else is done -- usually late at night or very early in the morning. Volunteers help handle calls and email as their schedules allow. If you leave a phone message, be sure to leave it on the appropriate line. Please be patient and we will get back to you as soon as possible -- sometimes there will be a significant delay. If this is an emergency, contact your own vet or local animal shelter.

Q: You said I can ask for help in finding a specific type of animal but nobody called me back with information on where I can find one.
A: We are happy to efer you to pets that match your requirements if we don't have them ourselves, but we will only return your call if we have or know of a possible match. Remember that local animal shelters often have purebred, small, and unique pets available. Try there first. Leave your name on their waiting list and they will also call you if they find a match.

Q: Can I trade in my senior dog for a puppy or a cat?
A: No. We have set adoption rules and don't "trade" animals. Please give your senior dog the same loyalty and care in his golden years as he gave you when he was a puppy.

Q: I want to volunteer -- what are my options?
A: The animals would love your support. Check out our volunteer section for ideas and work party days.