Animal Shelter Stafford County Archives

Published May 1, 2025 at 1:00PM

STAFFORD, Va. – The Ferry Farm neighborhood will host its first “Furry Friends of Ferry Farm” guided walking tour on June 7, 2025, beginning at 9 a.m. The 1.3-mile loop will showcase pets from the neighborhood and encourage donations for the Stafford County Animal Shelter. The event is free and will start and end at Ferry Farm Elementary School.

Participants will walk from Pendleton Road to Mercer Lane, Wakefield Avenue, Jefferson Street, and back to Pendleton Road, with stops to admire pets at various homes. At the tour’s conclusion, attendees will vote for a “Crowd Favorite” pet, with a prize awarded. The Stafford County Animal Shelter will also be present with adoptable pets.

Pets

Dax Finds a Forever Home After 68 Days at the Stafford County Animal Shelter

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 22, 2025 at 10:24PM

The Stafford County Animal Shelter is celebrating another heartwarming adoption story. Dax, a tri-colored Beagle, arrived at the shelter as a stray in September 2024. Despite his friendly demeanor and gentle nature, Dax spent 68 days waiting for someone to notice him. No one came forward to claim him, and potential adopters often passed him by.

Throughout his stay, shelter volunteers ensured Dax received plenty of care, exercise, and socialization. They took him on outdoor adventures and showered him with affection, but Dax’s longing for a forever home remained.

Pets

Are You Missing Us? Two Lost Dogs at Stafford County Animal Shelter

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 16, 2025 at 11:28AM

Two lost dogs are currently waiting to reunite with their families at the Stafford County Animal Shelter. If you recognize these pets, please contact the shelter as soon as possible.

Gray and White Mixed Breed Dog

Pets

‘Neelix’s transformation was nothing short of miraculous’

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 9, 2025 at 4:46PM

News

Deputy Rescues Kitten from Engine Compartment

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 22, 2024 at 1:56PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:41PM

Deputy O.J. Martins and his team spent an hour and a half safely rescuing the frightened kitten, using tools like a lockout kit, snake hook, and snappy snare to dismantle parts of the engine. Kitty Purry was taken to the Animal Shelter and will be available for adoption soon.

Press release:

News

Stafford Shelter Hosts Sixth Annual Clear the Shelter Adoption Event

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 8, 2024 at 8:00AM

Dasher, a male husky

On Saturday, Aug. 10, the Stafford County Animal Shelter will host its sixth annual “Clear the Shelter” adoption event. This summer, the shelter has been overwhelmed by the number of pets surrendered by owners for many reasons, including increasing costs of pet care.

The shelter is legally required to take in all animals brought to them. Stafford County Sheriff’s Capt. Joseph Bice, who oversees the shelter, said, “We’re getting dogs at a rate of three to one compared to the rate of adoption.” He added, “We want to provide care and a place for them to stay, but the problem is space…In 2014, we took in around 330 dogs. Last year, we took in over a thousand, and this year we’re on track to take in 1,200 to 1,400.”

News

Stafford County Animal Shelter Faces Surge in Pet Surrenders Due to Rising Costs

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 6, 2024 at 10:00AM

The Stafford County Animal Shelter is experiencing a significant increase in pet surrenders as residents struggle with rising pet care costs. The shelter has seen unprecedented number of animals, leading to capacity issues.

Stafford County Sheriff’s Capt. Joseph Bice, who oversees the shelter, explained the situation. “In the two and a half years I’ve been here, the number of dogs we’re taking in is extraordinary. We’re getting dogs at a rate of three to one compared to the rate of adoption.”

News

Stafford County Animal Shelter reaches capacity, encourages adoptions and fosters

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published June 26, 2024 at 9:26PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:42PM

Stafford County Animal Shelter keeps an active list of adoptable animals online. Maximus is a Dutch Shepherd.

Stafford County Animal Shelter has once again reached capacity and is pleading for adoptions and fosters.

In the month of June, the shelter has “had a record 32 dogs surrendered to our shelter in just 20 days,” according to their Facebook page. In addition to the surrenders, the shelter has had 23 stray dogs, with only 18 being reunited with their owners so far. They posted “57 dogs [are] currently in our care – 41 of them are available for adoption. This situation is unprecedented and simply not maintainable. Despite reaching out to our community countless times in the past few months, we find ourselves in an even worse situation each time we catch a glimpse of relief and the fact is, we are now at a breaking point.”

News

Stafford appeals for dog adoptions amid overcrowding crisis

By Potomac Local News

Published February 17, 2024 at 11:00AM | Updated February 17, 2024 at 5:09PM

Zion, a resilient Boxer mix, who was faced with Parvovirus shortly after his arrival to the animal shelter. Now, he is in desperate need of a loving home.

Stafford County’s Animal Shelter is facing a dire situation as it grapples with an unprecedented number of dogs in its care. Animal Captain Joe Bice revealed that the shelter has far exceeded its capacity.

“Last year, we adopted or transferred 583 dogs, with an average stay of 21 days in the shelter,” stated Bice. “However, we’ve been over adoption capacity for most of 2023 and 2024.”