The federal tax law changes that took effect in 2026 have changed how charitable giving affects your taxes — and for many donors, they’ve created new opportunities to give in ways that are both meaningful and financially smart. If you support local organizations like the Humane Society of Loudoun County, here’s what you should know.
You May Benefit from the 2026 Changes
You may now receive a tax benefit even if you don’t itemize: If you take the standard deduction, you can deduct up to $1,000 in qualifying charitable donations (or $2,000 if you’re married and file jointly). That means your generosity to local rescues like HSLC can now come with a tax benefit — even if you’ve never itemized before.
If you itemize, planning matters more than ever: Charitable gifts are still deductible but only amounts that exceed 0.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income count. Thoughtful timing and tracking of your gifts can help you maximize the benefit.
Some tax-efficient giving options are unchanged: If you’re age 70½ or older, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from an IRA remain a powerful way to give — allowing you to support a nonprofit directly while reducing taxable income. Other long-standing giving strategies may also still apply, depending on your situation.
Giving in a Way That Works for You
With these changes, many donors find it helpful to think about their giving over the course of the year rather than only at year-end. Whether you prefer making one or two larger gifts or spreading your support across the year, having a plan can help you stay organized and make the most of available tax benefits.
Some supporters choose monthly giving as a simple way to manage their annual contributions, while providing steady support for the animals who rely on care every day. Even small, consistent gifts can add up over time. HSLC’s donation form provides a drop-down menu for you to select your preferred donation frequency (one-time, monthly, quarterly and annually).
Your Support Still Makes a Real Difference
No matter how you choose to give, your support helps the Humane Society of Loudoun County provide a safe landing and second chances for animals in our community. The 2026 tax changes may offer new financial incentives — but the impact of your generosity has always been priceless.
As always, consider speaking with a tax or financial advisor about what approach makes the most sense for you.
September 16 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Join us for Yappy Hour at Spanky’s Shenanigans!
📍 Outside in the back patio area, HSLC will have a table set up to:
✔️ Answer questions about our life-saving work
✔️ Fundraise to cover timely vet care
✔️ Raise awareness for the doggies who need us
🍴 Come hungry—Spanky’s is generously donating 10% of all food sales to HSLC!
Related Events
August 19 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Join us for Yappy Hour at Spanky’s Shenanigans!
📍 Outside in the back patio area, HSLC will have a table set up to:
✔️ Answer questions about our life-saving work
✔️ Promote our very PUP-ular “Christmas in July” auction
✔️ Raise awareness for the doggies who need us
🍴 Come hungry—Spanky’s is generously donating 10% of all food sales to HSLC!
Related Events
By Heather Nokes
Did you know that dogs and cats do not sweat like humans? Their main sweat glands are located on their paw pads and are not very effective at cooling them off. With summer now upon us, it is important to understand how hot weather affects our pets and how we can help them stay cool.
First, keep your pets out of the heat. This may be difficult for dogs. Most love the outdoors so much, they may not ask to come inside, even when in distress. If unable to keep them in an air conditioned environment, be sure to provide cool shade or shelter for your pets. Clean, cool water should always be accessible to pets that spend time outdoors during summer months. Note that, effective July 1, 2020, a new Virginia law went into effect preventing tethering outside during extreme weather.
Take your dog on walks at dusk or dawn, when it is light enough to be seen by others, but still cool enough for a walk. Check the pavement you are walking on with the back of your hand. If your hand burns after a few seconds of contact, so will your dog’s foot. If it is too hot for you, it is much too hot for your pet.
To cool down, dogs will often pant to rid themselves of excess body heat. Panting is normal for most dogs but be aware of the signs of abnormal panting. Cats tolerate hot weather a little better than dogs but can suffer from heat stroke. They often choose lying in cooler areas, drinking cool water, and adjusting their body positions.
If you notice your pet is overheating, gradually reduce their body temperature. Use ice packs, cold towels, or apply cool (not cold) water to the head, neck and chest, let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes and move the pet into shade or air-conditioning. NEVER try to quickly cool a pet by dunking them in cold water. This can drop their body temperature too quickly and send them into shock.
Contact your vet immediately if your pet shows any of the following signs:
- Heavy panting
- Glazed eyes
- Rapid pulse
- Vomiting
- Fever (the normal range in dogs is 101-102 degrees, cats is 99.5-102.5 degrees)
- Unsteadiness or a staggering gait
- A deep red or purple tongue
Lastly, never leave pets in a parked car. Even on cool days, such as 70 degrees, a car’s internal temperature will jump to 90 degrees in 10 minutes and over 110 degrees within an hour. At 85 degrees, the car will reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes, continuing higher with more time. On 90 degree days, the car will quickly escalate to over 110 degrees. Cracking windows does not prevent a car from getting dangerously hot, even in cool temperatures.
For additional information on keeping your pets safe and comfortable during warm weather, please click on the following link: AMVA Warm weather pet safety
September 5 @ 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Come watch some silly cat videos for a good cause!
CatVideoFest is a joyous, communal, theatrical experience featuring the latest and best cat videos, while raising money for cats in need through partnerships with local charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters.
Thanks to our ongoing partnership with Alamo Drafthouse, a portion of CatVideoFest ticket proceeds from each and every show goes directly to the Humane Society of Loudoun County to help local cats in need. HSLC will also be bringing adoptable cats to Alamo’s lobby on Saturday, September 5, noon to 2.
Buy tickets: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Related Events
July 22 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Join us for our “Christmas in July” Yappy Hour at Spanky’s Shenanigans!
📍 Outside in the back patio area, HSLC will have a table set up to:
✔️ Answer questions about our life-saving work
✔️ Promote our very PUP-ular “Christmas in July” auction
✔️ Raise awareness for the doggies who need us
🍴 Come hungry—Spanky’s is generously donating 10% of all food sales to HSLC!
Related Events
June 17 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Join us for the first Yappy Hour of the year at Spanky’s Shenanigans!
📍 Outside in the back patio area, HSLC will have a table set up to:
✔️ Answer questions about our life-saving work
✔️ Sell fun HSLC merchandise
✔️ Raise funds and awareness for the doggies who need us
🍴 Come hungry—Spanky’s is generously donating 10% of all food sales to HSLC!
Related Events
May 13 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Join us for Yappy Hour at Spanky’s Shenanigans!
📍 Outside in the back patio area, HSLC will have a table set up to:
✔️ Answer questions about our life-saving work
✔️ Sell fun HSLC merchandise
✔️ Raise funds and awareness for the doggies who need us
🍴 Come hungry—Spanky’s is generously donating 10% of all food sales to HSLC!
Related Events
April 15 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Join us for the first Yappy Hour of the year at Spanky’s Shenanigans!
📍 Outside in the back patio area, HSLC will have a table set up to:
✔️ Answer questions about our life-saving work
✔️ Sell fun HSLC merchandise
✔️ Raise funds and awareness for the doggies who need us
🍴 Come hungry—Spanky’s is generously donating 10% of all food sales to HSLC!
Related Events
Fostering Myths – PART 2
By Uchenna C. Okeke
When it comes to making a difference, we often think big. But sometimes, it is the smallest acts of kindness that leave the greatest impression. Like opening your home to a pet in need, even if that home is a cozy apartment or a compact space.
Myth 2: You Need a Big House to Foster Pets
Many people imagine that fostering requires a big house with multiple rooms or a large outdoor area where pets can run freely. This worry may discourage some from volunteering, thinking their apartment simply isn’t big enough. But this is a myth.
Fact: Small Spaces Can Save Big Lives
Most foster pets simply need safety, stability, and temporary care while they wait for a permanent home. For many pets, a quiet and controlled environment is actually far more important than having a lot of space.
Why Small Spaces Work
While extra space can be helpful in some situations, the truth is that small spaces can work extremely well for pets in foster care. Here’s why:
Small Spaces Help Pets Feel Safe: New environments can make foster pets anxious. At first, they may be frightened or confused and a large, unfamiliar space can be overwhelming. A smaller, quiet space allows them to settle gradually.
Small Spaces Work Very Well for Cats: Naturally cats prefer small, secure areas where they can observe their surroundings while feeling protected. They often choose small spots like boxes, shelves, or enclosed corners. For foster cats or kittens, a small room such as a bathroom, bedroom, or enclosed corner can help them:
- Adjust slowly to new people and smells
- Locate their litter box easily
- Establish a feeding routine
- Feel less overwhelmed in a new environment
Small Spaces Benefit Dogs: Dogs need regular walks, playtime, and human interaction and not necessarily large living spaces. They can live happily in apartments or smaller homes as long as they receive regular exercise. Small spaces can be helpful to foster dogs because they:
- Encourage calm behaviour
- Help with crate training and house training
- Prevent overstimulation in a new environment
- Make it easier to monitor eating, sleeping, and bathroom routines
Easier Monitoring and Care: Small spaces make it easier for caregivers to observe pets closely. It helps them quickly notice changes in appetite, behavior, or health, allowing them to respond faster if something is wrong.
Better for Training and Routine: Pets learn routines faster in smaller environments. Feeding, sleeping, litter training, and house training are often easier when animals have clear, limited areas where these activities happen.
Tips for Fostering in Small Spaces
- Use Vertical Space: Vertical spaces allow pets to stay active and stimulated without needing a large room. Cat trees, climbing shelves, or window perches give cats places to climb, rest, and observe their surroundings.
- Create Cozy Zones: Designate quiet corners for your foster pet to rest. A comfortable bed, soft blanket, or small crate in a calm area can help pets feel secure and relaxed. Consistency is the key.
- Rotate Toys: Rotating toys every few days keeps them interesting and helps prevent boredom.
- Take Outdoor Breaks: Nearby parks, quiet streets, or open spaces can provide exercise and mental stimulation. These outings help balance indoor living and give dogs the activity they need while living in a smaller home.
Remember that the biggest needs of foster pets are basic care (food, water, and shelter), love and interaction, safety and comfort. Space is way down the list.
To learn more about fostering, please visit our website and complete a no-obligation application today.