The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA is in the thick of its busiest time of the year: kitten season. And thanks to an influx of adorable furry little friends, the shelter is running low on supplies, especially kitten milk replacer and canned wet food (to help out, go to caspca.org/donate). C-VILLE recently spoke with Lauren Thomas, CASPCA’s events and fundraising manager, about goings-on at the nonprofit and ways the community can pitch in. Thomas gave us the scoop on the org’s fostering program, her favorite shelter resident, and the “zoo” she lives with.
Pronouns: She/her
Hometown: Charlottesville
Job: Events and fundraising manager at the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA
What excites you the most about what you do? The relationships I am able to form and build along the way. I have the opportunity to plan fun, engaging events that bring our community together, showcase adoptable animals, and raise funds that aid CASPCA in caring for the many needs of the population we serve, from intake to adoption. Every person (and pet!) has a story, and I am thrilled to be able to experience life alongside them.
What are some of your biggest challenges? The biggest challenges come when animals are injured, sick, scared, or need special attention. It’s not unusual for a dog or cat to present differently in a shelter environment vs. home, which can sometimes increase their length of stay. While we aim to keep each animal as happy and healthy as possible, the shelter can be a very loud, unfamiliar place, something that would be alarming for anyone.
Tell us about the CASPCA fostering program: Fostering is such an important step on a pet’s journey to their adoptive home. There are many different reasons an animal might need to be fostered: kittens and puppies too young to be spayed/neutered; nursing mothers and their litters; animals recovering from major surgery or minor illness; or animals that need training, socialization, or a shelter break. The time commitment can vary depending on the animal’s specific needs or how much time you are willing to help. CASPCA provides fosters with the majority of supplies needed, along with veterinary care and any necessary medications. If you want to join our crew of amazing fosters, apply at caspca.org/foster.
Do you have a favorite animal who’s been at the shelter a long time? Hands down, Chip! He is a 5-year-old hound, and is just the goofiest guy. He loves people, gentle pats, and exploring all that the world has to offer. Everyone adores Chip. We can’t wait to see him off to his new family—soon, hopefully.
How many animals looking for forever homes arrive every week? Approximately 65.
Do you have any pets? I sure do! Three cats (Archie, Scout, and Tilly) and two dogs (Henley and Ozzy). It’s a zoo in my house, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What are you listening to right now? Recently, it’s been Kesha on repeat.
Best advice you ever got: You cannot expect more from someone than they are willing or able to give.
Proudest accomplishment: Buying a house in downtown Charlottesville in my 20s (shout-out to Mom and Dad for the help!).
Best part about living here: My family. We are all within 20 to 30 minutes of each other, and I see at least one of them daily. They helped shape who I am today, and we are each other’s biggest cheerleaders, always.
Worst part about living here: The dating scene!
Bodo’s order: Chicken salad with lettuce, tomato, and onion on everything
If you could be reincarnated as a person or a thing, what would you be? A little dog, definitely. I get to eat, sleep, play, and demand treats and cuddles all day.
Favorite movie and/or TV show: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and “The Righteous Gemstones”
Favorite book: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Who’d play you in a movie? Keke Palmer
Subject that causes you to rant? Language acquisition. As a former German teacher, I love this topic, and will always talk your ear off about it.
Best journey you ever went on: Two weeks in France in May 2023 with some besties from middle school. We got to see Beyoncé in concert and it was stellar.
Favorite word: Luftkissenfahrzeug, aka hovercraft. It breaks down into three parts: luft = air; kissen = cushion/pillow; fahrzeug = vehicle.
Hottest take: The Lord of the Rings movies are just really long walking videos. And they are boring.
