Stay updated on lost and found pets, safety tips, adoption news, and important community announcements. In accordance with Virginia state law, animals confined at our shelter shall be held for a minimum of five days starting the day immediately following their initial confinement. This stray hold period provides time for the rightful owner to claim the animal. During this period, we make every reasonable effort to identify the animal, including checking for collars, tags, licenses, tattoos, or other forms of identification, as required by § 3.2-6585.1. If any identification is found, the animal will be held for an additional five-day stray hold period to allow further time for the owner to reclaim their pet. If the rightful owner is easily identifiable, we will make reasonable efforts to contact them within 48 hours of the animal's confinement. Additionally, while the law establishes a minimum holding period, our shelter strives to provide the best care possible. If there is available space in our facility and open cages, we will often extend the hold period beyond the minimum five days to ensure that animals have a longer opportunity for rehoming or for their owners to claim them, depending on their health and behavior. We are committed to the humane treatment of all animals and work within the guidelines set forth by the state while also considering each animal’s individual needs.
