After the Civil War people’s concerns were raised regarding animal abuse and cruelty. In the late 19th century organizations throughout the United States began to arise in the effort to protect animals. The Palmers recruited influential leaders to assist them in the creation of this organization such as Joseph Bryan, founder of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The SPCA in Richmond struggled with its finances, but Nellie Palmer's aunt, Louisa Nalle, left her Richmond estate to Palmer upon her death. Not only did the Palmers have a new location for their shelter but, a sum of $24,000 was left to the SPCA that could be used to advocate for animal protection.
