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.”
Russet Husky Manassas, VA
Black Labrador Retriever Mix Fredericksburg, VA
Due to unforeseen staffing issues, Stafford County Animal Shelter will be closed until at least Monday, May 20.
Animal Control Officer M. Schultz responded to the 14000 block of Glenkirk Road in Gainesville for a stuck bird. He arrived to find a red-tailed hawk in need of rescue. Thanks to help from PWC Fire & Rescue, Officer Schultz was able to safely free the bird without causing further harm. The hawk has been transported to Blue Ridge Wildlife Center for further evaluation.
“Originally Chanel, Ryder now goes by Ry Ry or even Monster, depending on the day and her mood. She is your typical sassy dog that understands everyone thinks she’s gorgeous. When we first adopted her, she had some major resource-guarding issues and was fearful of strangers. While she’s not 100% over the resource guarding, she’s now able to share most toys with other dogs, and with the promise of treats, she does well with people. We just have to understand her quirks to put her in the best situations.”
“She loves her pup cups and has memorized the places that spoil her with goodies. She now gets to spend her days with 3 other resident dogs and a rotating dog foster sibling. She loves bones, all the treats, car rides (because they lead to treats), and water! When she’s not chilling in her puppy pool at home she gets to take trips to the river. She also loves patrolling her backyard to protect it from the evil squirrels that torment her. Overall she’s been an amazing addition to our family and we are extremely grateful to Stafford Animal Shelter for choosing us to be her furever family two years ago.”
“While lilies are beautiful and often used as decorative flowers in our homes and gardens, they can pose a serious threat to our furry friends. As it turns out, certain types of lilies known as the true lilies are potentially fatal to cats; Daylilies, Asiatic, Easter, and Roselilies –are highly toxic to cats, the Prince William County Animal Shelter warns. “Any amount of lily ingestion can lead to kidney failure, which is a life-threatening condition. The symptoms may not appear immediately, but within one to six hours of ingesting lily, you may see some of the common signs of poisoning, including vomiting, excessive drooling, lethargy, and/or weakness and collapse.”
More in a press release from the Prince William County Animal Shelter.
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.”
The Prince William County Animal Shelter has issued a vital warning to residents and visitors of Dumfries following the confirmation of a rabid cat sighting in the area. The grey male cat, found near 17440 Fraley Boulevard, has tested positive for rabies, prompting urgent action from health officials.
Individuals who were in the vicinity of 17440 Fraley Blvd. in Dumfries between February 1st and February 12th are urged to exercise caution if they come into contact with the infected cat. Immediate action is necessary to prevent the spread of rabies and ensure proper medical evaluation and treatment if needed.
