Photo by Lee Friesland for Virginia Tech.

The Roanoke Valley SPCA and Virginia Tech’s School of Animal Sciences are teaming up to improve shelter animal’s well-being and adoption success. That announcement was made today at the Roanoke Valley SPCA, where executive officer Denise Hayes called it a “big deal.” As many as half of all animals in shelters are surrendered for behavioral reasons. Virginia Tech personnel that spend time at the shelter in Roanoke will use a “fear-free” approach, which helps pets work through behavioral issues in a positive manner that makes them more adoptable.