The Virginia Federation of Humane Societies (VFHS) is a membership organization founded in 1959. Our membership includes pounds and other animal shelters, humane societies, rescue groups, sanctuaries, and animal control agencies, as well as animal caregivers and individual supporters across Virginia. Primary among our goals is to address the issues of animal cruelty and pet overpopulation within the Commonwealth of Virginia and to foster humane attitudes through education. VFHS provides support to all shelters and other animal welfare organizations in Virginia through grant funds for spay/neuter programs, shelter outreach, mentoring and educational programs. Each year, VFHS presents a multi-day conference featuring local and national speakers on a variety of subjects, with many of the workshops offering continuing education credit for animal control officers. VFHS communicates important news, events and information to its membership that supports their work in animal welfare.