Congratulations, Virginia: A Lifetime of Service to Animals Continues
Long-time Pet Camp campers know that Virginia started Pet Camp way back in 1997. She started with a single location, what we now call the Main Campground, using only the lower level of the building, caring for both dogs and cats, and sleeping at the building every other night.
What many people don’t know is that her commitment to letting dogs socialize with other dogs, inspired by San Francisco dog parks, almost got her banned from joining her own industry group.
True founder dedication.
In 2007, while many in the pet care industry laughed at the idea, Virginia opened Cat Safari.
As Virginia taught us:“At most pet care facilities, cats are an afterthought. At Cat Safari, they are our only thought.”
In 2015, the City and County of San Francisco knocked on Virginia’s office door and asked her to join San Francisco Animal Care and Control as its Executive Director, including leading the effort
Of course, she succeeded.
On June 5, Virginia stepped down as Executive Director. Most people who knew how hard she had worked at both Pet Camp and Animal Care and Control knew her retirement was well deserved. But many of us wondered: was that really it? Was she done helping San Francisco’s animals and pet parents?
Two business days later — day two of her “retirement” — it was announced that Virginia would be taking over as the hearing officer for San Francisco’s Vicious and Dangerous Dog Unit, collegially referred to as San Francisco’s “Dog Judge.”
All of us at Pet Camp are proud of what Virginia built here and the values she instilled in us. As San Franciscans, we are honored that she committed the last 11 years to serving our City and County. And we are thrilled that she has agreed to take on one more role serving San Francisco’s pet community.
Congratulations, Virginia.