How to Adopt a Shelter Dog or Cat Near Fredericksburg, VA
How to Adopt a Shelter Dog or Cat Near Fredericksburg, VA There are four main places to adopt a pet in the Fredericksburg area: two nonprofit groups and two county shelters. Each...
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How to Adopt a Shelter Dog or Cat Near Fredericksburg, VA
There are four main places to adopt a pet in the Fredericksburg area: two nonprofit groups and two county shelters. Each has its own hours, fees and rules, so it helps to know what to expect before you go. The details below come from each organization's own website. Fees can change, so check with the shelter before your visit.
Fees at a glance
Shelter | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
Fredericksburg SPCA | $365 (6 months and under), $190 (7 months to 6 years), $115 (7 years and up) | $165, $115, $90 (same age groups) |
Old Dominion Humane Society | $375 puppies under 1 year, $275 adults, $175 seniors; some dogs $500 | Dogs only |
Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter | $85 | $55 |
Stafford County Animal Shelter | Call to confirm current fees |
Fredericksburg SPCA
TheFredericksburg SPCAis at 10819 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22408. It's open for adoptions Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m., and closed Mondays. Call 540-898-1500 (ext. 110 reaches the adoption team) or emailMatchmakers@fredspca.org.
What the fee covers: spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccines, dewormer and flea/tick preventative. Dogs also get a heartworm test, plus treatment if they test positive. Cats get a feline leukemia test. Every adoption includes 30 days of free behavior support through Petcademy.
Cat deals: When you adopt one cat, the second is half price. For a bonded pair, the second animal's fee is waived.
How it works: Adoptions are first-come, first-served, and everyone in your group signs in when you arrive. If you already have a dog, it will need a meet-and-greet with staff present. You can hold an animal for $25 a day, for up to two days; the hold fee is nonrefundable. Bring a leash and collar to take a dog home.
Foster animals: Some pets live in foster homes. Fill out the adoption survey online, and expect a reply within 24–72 hours.
Old Dominion Humane Society
Old Dominion Humane Societyis a dogs-only rescue at 3602 Lafayette Blvd., Fredericksburg, VA 22408. Visiting hours are Wednesday 5–7 p.m., Friday 6–8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. To start, fill out the adoption survey or emailadopt@olddominionhumanesociety.org.
The adoption donation covers spay/neuter, a microchip, vaccines, and a heartworm test with prevention.
Bring a martingale collar and a leash to take your dog home.
The group does not adopt littermates out together.
Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter
TheSpotsylvania County Animal Shelteris at 450 TV Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408. Adoption hours are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. The shelter's number is 540-507-7459.
Fees: $85 for a dog, $55 for a cat, $20 for small animals and $65 for livestock.
Who can adopt: Adopters must be at least 18. Animals younger than 16 weeks go only to Spotsylvania County residents.
Renters: Bring written permission from your landlord, including the landlord's phone number.
After adoption: Your new pet must be spayed or neutered under the county's agreement, and the county sets a deadline. The shelter has no veterinarian on staff, so you'll need to take the animal to a vet within 10 days, at your own cost. If you can't keep the pet, the county asks that you bring it back to the shelter.
Stafford County Animal Shelter
The Stafford County Animal Shelter is run by theStafford County Sheriff's Officeand is located at 26 Frosty Lane, Stafford, VA 22554. It's open Monday through Friday 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m., and closed Sunday. Fees aren't posted on the Sheriff's page, so call the Sheriff's non-emergency line at 540-658-4400 for current fees. Ask too what to bring, such as a photo ID and a leash or carrier.
Before you go
Look at adoptable animals on the shelter's website first. Popular pets can be adopted quickly.
If you rent, get your landlord's pet approval in writing.
Bring everyone in your household, plus your dog if the shelter requires a meet-and-greet.
Bring a leash and collar for a dog, or a carrier for a cat.
Book a vet visit for the first couple of weeks after adoption.
FAQ
Which shelter is cheapest?
Of the shelters with posted fees, Spotsylvania County's are the lowest. The nonprofit fees cost more but include spay/neuter, vaccines and other care.
Can I adopt from a county shelter if I don't live there?
Generally yes. Spotsylvania limits animals younger than 16 weeks to county residents. Call the Stafford shelter to ask about its rules.
Do I need an appointment?
The Fredericksburg SPCA works first-come, first-served during open hours. Pets in SPCA foster homes and dogs at Old Dominion Humane Society start with an online survey.
