Stafford County
Animal Shelter
"We can't change their past, but we can change their future."
Welcome
Welcome to the Stafford County Animal Shelter, where we're dedicated to providing a safe haven for our beloved four-legged companions.
As an open admission facility, we welcome pets from all Stafford County residents and make it our mission never to turn anyone away due to space constraints. Our primary goal is to find loving homes for all adoptable animals in our care as swiftly as possible. Additionally, we serve as a temporary home for stray animals discovered within our county, working tirelessly to reunite them with their owners.
SHELTER HOURS
*Please Note: Adoption and Surrender services concluding at 5:00 PM on weekdays and 3:30 PM on Saturdays*
Weekdays from 11:00AM to 5:30PM Saturdays from 9:30AM to 4:00PM
Closed on Sundays and Holidays
July 2024 Update
We at Stafford County Animal Shelter are heartbroken. Our shelter has reached its most critical limit with 62 dogs currently in our care, and there’s no sign of it slowing down. Stray dogs arrive daily, and more people notify us of their intentions to surrender their pets. We are at a loss.
We understand how tough life is right now. Vet bills are steep, and we feel that burden too. Food costs are high, but we still strive to donate to those in need. We know moving is challenging, and having a baby changes everything – we see dogs surrendered for all these reasons and more. It’s not that we don’t understand; it’s just that we have no choice but to be here and help.
Our compassion is what keeps us going, but it’s also what drains us.
We genuinely love the animals in our care and want nothing more than to see them go to forever loving homes. Every day they don’t get adopted takes a toll on us. We know we don’t post on Facebook as often as we should. Yes, we have wonderful volunteers, but their focus is on the animals' welfare, which is what we need most.
Fostering is a temporary solution, but it doesn’t provide the forever home these dogs desperately need. It also takes the dogs out of public view, making it harder for them to find their permanent families. We recognize that everyone is struggling, but we also believe in the comfort of a furry companion who loves you unconditionally after a tough day.
Please, do whatever you can to support our shelter. If you’re not from here, support your local shelter – they are likely struggling too. Any help for our hardworking, dedicated, and exhausted staff is greatly appreciated.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Animal Control
For Animal Control related issues or animal emergencies, you can reach Animal Control 24/7 by calling 540-658-7387 and selecting option 1.
If you're in a situation where your pet has been picked up by Animal Control, if you're searching for a lost pet, or if you're considering surrendering an animal to our shelter, it's crucial to connect directly with our dedicated shelter staff during our regular business hours. Animal control is unable to assist with these specific matters, so for the best and most effective support, please reach out to our team who are here to provide the care and guidance you need. Your pet's well-being and safety are our top priorities, and we're here to help during our operational hours. You can reach shelter staff at 540-658-7387 and select option 4.
Surrendering a Pet
We understand that sometimes circumstances arise that make it necessary to give up your beloved pet. We are here to assist you through this process. Before proceeding with surrendering your pet to the animal shelter, we would like to provide you with some helpful information to ensure a seamless transition for you, your pet and our staff.
We kindly request specific items when surrendering an animal:
1. A valid Driver's License or photo ID
2. Proof of Stafford County residency
3. Pertinent pet records such as medical records or documents from the place where you
acquired your pet.
4. A completed information form about your pet's habits and behaviors.
While it's not obligatory, ensuring your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and sterilized prior to surrender can significantly enhance their chances of finding a new, loving family. We greatly appreciate your assistance in this regard.
For more information, see our Pet Owner Resources section.
Events
Stay Tuned for more exciting events with Stafford County Animal Shelter!
Donations
You can make a world of difference in a shelter pet’s life by donating a Kuranda bed. These beds keep pets comfortable and dry off the floor. They are easy to keep clean, odor free and last for years. Prices are specially discounted for donation and items ship directly to the shelter in your name. You can donate here: DONATE A BED. Thank you so much from all of our shelter pets. Nothing beats a cozy place to sleep.
SCAS's Current Top 10 Needs
