Prince William Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

Address

14807 Bristow Road, Manassas, VA 20112.

Use the map below for driving directions and check same-day updates before leaving.

Phone numbers

Animal Services Center: 703-792-6465.

Animal Control Officer: 703-792-6500, listed 24 hours a day.

Public hours

Tue–Fri 11 AM–5 PM, Sat 10 AM–4 PM, Sun noon–4 PM.

Monday is closed except for stray-pet reclaim or donations.

Adoption rule

Adoptions are first-come, first-serve.

Review available pets online, then visit prepared with ID, payment and transport supplies.

Dog adoptions

Dogs are listed at $45.

The listed dog adoption includes initial distemper combo vaccine, intranasal Bordetella, rabies vaccine if old enough, deworming, microchip, basic veterinary exam and adoption.

Cat adoptions

Cats are listed at $45.

The listed cat adoption includes initial distemper combo vaccine, rabies vaccine if old enough, deworming, microchip, basic veterinary exam and adoption.

Other animals

Fees vary by animal type: small domestic animals, reptiles, birds, livestock and poultry are listed in ranges.

Ask about housing, transport and legal restrictions before adopting non-dog/cat animals.

Dogs

Ask about leash behavior, energy, kennel stress, known history, medical notes, spay/neuter status and the best first-week routine.

Cats

Ask about shy behavior, litter habits, handling, indoor setup, carrier transport and how to introduce the cat to your home.

Small animals

Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and similar pets need proper cages, diet, bedding, enrichment and species-specific care.

Livestock / poultry

Ask about zoning, fencing, transport, shelter, veterinary care and long-term space before adopting farm-type animals.

If your pet is missing

• Call the Animal Services Center at 703-792-6465 during center hours.
• After 5 PM, call Police non-emergency / Animal Control routing at 703-792-6500.
• Email or submit a clear, recent photo if requested.
• Visit the center in person if a possible match appears or if your pet is still missing.
• Bring proof of ownership such as dog license, vet records, microchip certificate, adoption contract, photo/video, bill of sale or lease listing the animal.
• Search your neighborhood, post flyers, check social media lost-pet groups and broaden your search area daily.

If you found a pet

• Call the center at 703-792-6465 or email a found report if safe.
• If after normal business hours, call 703-792-6500 for officer routing.
• Found animals must be turned over to the Animal Services Center or have a Found Report placed with the center.
• Do not permanently keep or rehome a found animal without following official steps.
• If you cannot safely handle the animal, request Animal Control or police assistance.
• Remember that the center can scan for microchips and check tattoos or records.

24-hour route

Call 703-792-6500 for Animal Control Officer / Police non-emergency routing.

Center questions

Call 703-792-6465 for adoption, lost/found, reclaim, surrender and center service questions.

Immediate danger

Use emergency services for active attacks, severe injuries, public-safety threats or life-threatening situations.

Before surrendering

• Try trusted rehoming options first, including local community groups and safe rehoming resources.
• If surrender is still needed, call 703-792-6465 or email the center to get on the managed intake list.
• Expect a waiting list or scheduled appointment if space is limited.
• Prepare photo ID and proof that you are a Prince William County resident.
• Gather veterinary records, vaccine history, medication details and behavior information.
• Complete a pet profile / intake questionnaire if instructed.

Important surrender warnings

• Do not bring a pet without contacting the center first.
• Do not hide bite history, aggression, fear, medical problems or medications.
• Do not surrender a pet adopted from another rescue without contacting that rescue first if your contract requires it.
• Do not assume surrender guarantees adoption placement.
• Signing the owner release gives Prince William County legal ownership and is final.
• Emergency situations may be handled differently, but you still need to call.

Dog license

Use the county’s dog license page and PetData route for dog licensing questions.

Ask the shelter what you need to do after adopting a dog.

Rabies compliance

Cats four months and older must have a current rabies vaccination, though cats are not licensed.

Dogs also require proper rabies and licensing compliance.

Microchip update

Adopted pets may leave with microchip registration instructions. Complete registration and keep your phone/email current.

Volunteer requirements

• Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
• A criminal history check is required.
• Volunteers must commit to at least 4 hours per month for no less than 6 months.
• Volunteers need email/internet access to manage scheduling and updates.
• Dog volunteers must be physically able to handle large, untrained or strong dogs.
• The bureau does not offer court-appointed, short-term, youth or some credit-only volunteer options.

Foster program

• Fostering helps save lives and free kennel space.
• Fosters support the physical and mental rehabilitation of animals in their care.
• Routine medical needs and visits are coordinated through center staff and veterinarians.
• Fosters must be able to transport animals to and from the center or veterinary partners when needed.
• Apply through the official foster application route.

Photo ID

Bring valid identification for adoption, reclaim, surrender appointment or official service questions.

Housing approval

If renting or living under HOA rules, confirm pet permission, breed/size limits, deposits and maximum pet count before adopting.

Payment method

Bring payment for adoption, reclaim fees, boarding, impoundment or other official charges when applicable.

Carrier

Bring a secure carrier for cats, kittens, rabbits, birds or small animals. Loose animals in cars are unsafe.

Dog transport

Prepare a leash, collar, harness, crate or safe vehicle setup before taking a dog home.

Proof of ownership

For reclaim, bring dog license, vet records, microchip certificate, adoption contract, photos/videos, bill of sale or lease listing the animal.

First 24 hours

• Keep the new pet in a calm starter area.
• Do not introduce every person and pet immediately.
• Use a leash, crate, gate or closed room until routines are clear.
• Expect stress signs such as hiding, barking, pacing, whining or reduced appetite.
• Keep adoption paperwork, vaccine notes, microchip details and spay/neuter instructions together.

Days 2–7

• Use the complimentary veterinary exam certificate within the required time window.
• Complete microchip registration and dog license tasks.
• Introduce resident pets slowly and safely.
• Start a predictable routine for meals, walks, potty breaks and rest.
• Ask for training or behavior help early if fear, aggression, separation anxiety or house-training issues appear.

Arrive early

Adoption counseling, contract review and fee payment need time. Do not arrive at closing expecting a complete adoption.

Know Monday limits

Monday is closed except for stray-pet reclaim and donations. It is not a normal adoption day.

Call for urgent routing

Use 703-792-6500 for Animal Control / after-hours field routing, not routine adoption questions.

Before visiting

• Do not plan a general adoption visit on Monday.
• Do not assume an animal seen online will still be available.
• Do not arrive late if you need a full adoption conversation.
• Do not forget a carrier, leash or safe transport plan.
• Do not use animal-control emergency routing for routine adoption questions.

Before adopting, reclaiming or surrendering

• Do not adopt without checking landlord, HOA or household rules.
• Do not forget proof of ownership when reclaiming a lost pet.
• Do not surrender without contacting the center first.
• Do not hide bite history, medical issues or behavior concerns.
• Do not ignore licensing, microchip and veterinary follow-up after adoption.