Virginia Chipurnoi - Animal Welfare Advocate

Virginia Chipurnoi is president of the Humane Society of New York (HSNY), a Charity Navigator 4-star organization that provides affordable, subsidized veterinary care to nearly 40,000 dogs and cats each year. Launched in 1904 with the primary agenda to provide water and care to New York City's working horses, the HSNY has transformed considerably throughout its history. It now operates an animal hospital and the Vladimir Horowitz and Wanda Toscanini Horowitz Adoption Center, through which it pairs dogs and cats with responsible owners. Virginia Chipurnoi created the organization's Forever Homes policy, which outlines screening measures to pair pets with compatible owners.   

Prior to the board of directors electing Virginia Chipurnoi as president of the HSNY, "Mrs. C," as she is affectionately known, was a volunteer board member herself. She has also volunteered at other animal shelters and animal welfare organizations, including the ASPCA. She has traveled around the world and witnessed the deplorable conditions many animals face in some countries and is committed to various animal advocacy causes. She leads the HSNY in its advocacy against live animal markets, horse slaughter, roadside zoos, canned hunts, and other issues. 

Under Virginia Chipurnoi's direction, the HSNY not only facilitates adoptions but also provides a range of veterinary services, including blood tests, ultrasound, inoculations, geriatric care, and complete medical and surgical management. It also offers dentistry and spay and neuter services. The HSNY's clinic on East 59th St. in New York City is open seven days a week by appointment.   

Virginia Chipurnoi has felt a deep connection to animals since her youth and has always been passionate about animal welfare causes. Prior to focusing all of her efforts in this area, Mrs. Chipurnoi worked for Reuters in Paris, France, and at the New York fashion retailer Lord & Taylor.