About FRCA
Helping Pets Stay Healthy, Safe, and at Home
FRCA makes veterinary care and practical support more accessible so pets can stay healthy, at home, and out of shelters.
Serving families in Russell and Tazewell Counties, Virginia.
Who We Are
About Friends of Russell County Animals
FRCA believes lasting change happens through compassionate, community-rooted relationships.
We meet pet owners where they are, offering support without judgment, listening before we act, and building trust with every conversation.
Serving Russell and Tazewell Counties in Virginia.
We Are Not an Animal Shelter or Rescue
Our work helps prevent pets from needing to enter one.
What Guides Our Work
Compassionate. Community-Rooted. Practical.
We Listen First
Every story matters. We listen before we act so we can better understand what support is truly needed.
Compassionate Support
We meet pet owners where they are, offering help with kindness, respect, and understanding.
Community Rooted
We are neighbors working together for stronger families and healthier pets.
Keeping Families Together
We help pets stay in the homes they love, where they belong.
Our Approach
Our Approach to Veterinary Access
Remove Barriers When Necessary
Encourage Reasonable Owner Participation When Possible
Recognize Genuine Hardship
Work Together to Keep Pets Healthy, Safe, and With the Families Who Love Them
Veterinary Access Is About More Than Income
Our program design is informed by published research in veterinary access to care, animal welfare, behavioral economics, and the psychology and economics of poverty.
Research demonstrates that veterinary access is affected by more than income alone.
Transportation, geography, availability of veterinary services, communication, and individual circumstances can all affect whether families are able to obtain care.
FRCA uses this evidence to design programs that increase access while encouraging meaningful participation from pet owners whenever reasonably possible.
How We Help
How We Make a Difference
Affordable Spay/Neuter
Helping eligible families access spay and neuter services while reducing unplanned litters and barriers to care.
Preventive & Wellness Care
Supporting access to preventive services that can help pets stay healthier and avoid crisis.
Veterinary Assistance – Urgent & Sick Care
Helping eligible families pursue necessary care when a pet is sick or injured.
Pet-Retention & Community Support
Connecting families with practical support and resources that can help pets remain at home.
Removing Barriers Before Pets Reach Crisis
Barrier
FRCA Support
Access to Care
Healthier Pet
Pet Stays With Family
Every family's circumstances are different. FRCA works to identify barriers and help families find realistic paths to care whenever assistance is possible.
Serving Our Local Community
FRCA serves families in Russell and Tazewell Counties, Virginia.
Leadership
Our Board
Charlene Farthing
President / Founder
Charlene founded FRCA to help low income pet owners in Russell and Tazewell Counties access veterinary care. She leads the organization's programs and community partnerships.
Lisa Roosa
Secretary
Lisa keeps FRCA's records and communications organized, supporting the board's work on behalf of local pet owners.
Jesse Reeve
Treasurer
Jesse oversees FRCA's finances, ensuring donations and program funds are managed responsibly for the community.
Advisory Leadership
Our Advisory Board
Ryan Dorkoski, Ph.D.
Advisor
Ryan advises FRCA on research-informed program design, helping ensure services reflect the realities of veterinary access and poverty.
Dr. Allison Sparks, D.V.M.
Veterinary Advisor
Dr. Sparks provides veterinary expertise, helping FRCA design programs that meet clinical best practices and community needs.
Regina Rose
Community Organizer, Volunteer & Advisor
Regina connects FRCA with the local community, organizing volunteers and outreach that support families and their pets.
Working Together
Keeping Pets and People Together Takes a Community
Whether you need help caring for your pet, want to support veterinary access, or are interested in getting involved, there is a place for you at FRCA.
