Stafford County ​​
Animal Shelter

 1.What are your hours and days of operation?

The Animal Shelter is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 am until 5:30 pm and Saturday from 9:30 am until 4:00 pm. The Animal Shelter is closed on Sundays and Holidays. The shelter stops all adoptions 30 minutes before we close to allow us to do last minute feedings and cleaning. 

2.Where is the Animal Shelter located?

The Animal Shelter is located at 26 Frosty Lane Stafford Virginia 22554

3.What are the adoption fees for dogs and cats?

There is a $45.00 adoption fee for dogs and a $35.00 adoption fee for cats. We accept cash, credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and checks for payment. We cannot process payments over the phone.

4.Do you give vaccinations to your adopted animals?

Puppies and kittens receive their first DA2PP or FVRCP vaccinations (canine distemper or feline distemper vaccinations). Puppies and kittens are also dewormed with Pyrantel or Panacur. We currently do not test for heartworm or feline leukemia/FIV. Kittens and Puppies may not be vaccinated if the shelter stock runs out of vaccines and it will be the responsibility of the adopter to have this done as soon as possible. 

5.Do you euthanize animals for the public?

As of 2019, the Stafford County Animal Shelter no longer euthanizes companion animals for the public. We recommend contacting your primary veterinarian or local veterinarian for euthanasia services. 

6.Are you a "no-kill" facility?

The shelter is defined as an “open admission” shelter, meaning we turn no eligible Stafford County animal away. As an open-admission shelter, we take in ill and injured animals and those that are not immediate candidates for adoption. We receive pets from people who can no longer care for them, abandoned animals, and stray animals.  At this time, the Stafford County Animal Shelter does not euthanize for space or how long the animal has been at the shelter. We still euthanize for medical reasons and public safety due to behavioral concerns. We do our best to exhaust every option before humanely euthanizing an animal. Please understand that we take public safety very seriously and absolutely can not adopt out aggressive animals. 

7.Can I foster an animal?

Stafford County Animal Control has a foster program. We foster animals under certain circumstances, such as un-weaned puppies and kittens, animals being held for court cases, special need animals and adoptable animals when space is limited although this is extremely rare. Please call us at (540)658-7387 for more information or visit the "Get Involved" section of our website to learn more. 

8.How do I make a complaint?

You can make a complaint by calling the Stafford County Animal Control office at (540) 658-7387 or the non-emergency line at (540)658-4400. If the facility is closed, you will be directed to the Sheriff Department communications dispatch. Please do NOT report complaints via email, voicemail, or social media as they are not always monitored by the shelter staff 24/7. 

9.Is there an Animal Control Officer available after your facility closes?

Yes, an Animal Control Officer is available 24/7. If you call our facility after hours, you will be directed to the Sheriff Department communications office which can get in touch with the on-call Animal Control Officer. On-call Animal Control Officers respond to emergencies only after hours. 

10.Are there leash laws in Stafford County?

Yes, there are leash laws for dogs in Stafford County. In residential areas a dog must be on its owner's property at all times. If off of the owner's property, the dog must be on a leash with the owner or custodian. During the months of April through September, there is a county-wide leash law. All dogs in Stafford County must then be kept on its owner's property.

11.Do animals have to be licensed in Stafford County?

Dogs do have to be registered in Stafford County. The county offers permanent county dog tags for $10.00. These are life time tags and the owner must keep the dog current on rabies vaccine once purchased. They may be purchased at the Stafford County Treasurers Office or the Stafford County Animal Shelter. 

12.Do you pick up stray cats?

No. There are no leash laws for cats in Stafford County. Cats are considered "free-roaming" animals. We will take in any cats found in Stafford County at the Animal Shelter during our normal hours of operation. We also lend out humane cat traps for Stafford residents to use to trap feral cats. A cat trap can be used for a two week time period.

13.Is there a barking ordinance?

There is a noise ordinance under the Sheriff's Office laws. Under the noise ordinance there is a section regarding animals. The Stafford County Animal Control will speak to an owner about the dog or other animal making noise. However, if the noise continues to be a problem for the complainant, the complainant may have to obtain a warrant for the owner at the magistrates office to go to court. Call Stafford County Animal Control at (540) 658-7387 for more information regarding the noise ordinance.

14.Do you handle wildlife calls?
We will handle sick and injured wildlife calls. We will also assist in removing snakes and some wildlife from houses when possible. However, most nuisance wildlife calls are handled by the Game Warden office at (540)899-4169. We will be glad to offer some advice if feasible.

15. How Can I help?

We welcome all volunteers!  There are many opportunities to help at the shelter, both in person and from home.  Donations, social media, foster families, dog walking, cat room visits, food and toy drives, kennel "games and entertainment".  Please visit our Get Involved page to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions