Spotsylvania Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
If you searched for the Spotsylvania animal shelter, the official public shelter is Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter at 450 TV Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408. It operates through the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office Division of Animal Control.
This guide separates the real local tasks: adoption hours, shelter lobby hours, dog and cat fees, appointment planning, lost and found pets, stray holds, reclaim documents, surrender rules, animal bites, rabies exposure, dog licensing, volunteer help and the important note that the shelter does not have an in-house veterinarian for public pet care.
Official County Shelter
Spotsylvania Animal Shelter is a county public shelter connected to the Sheriff’s Office Division of Animal Control. It shelters lost, abandoned and neglected animals and places adoptable animals into homes.
Animal Control Is 24/7 for Emergencies
Animal Control Officers enforce state and county animal laws and are responsible for emergency animal-control services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Independent Guide
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide. It is not Spotsylvania County, the Sheriff’s Office, Animal Control, the Animal Shelter, Rappahannock Area Health District or Virginia DSHS.
Which Spotsylvania Animal Help Route Do You Need?
The shelter and Animal Control share the same campus, but the task matters. Adoption and lost-pet reports usually start with the shelter number. Running-at-large animals, sick or injured animals, suspected cruelty, bites and vicious-dog issues belong with Animal Control.
| Need | Start here | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Adopt a pet or visit the shelter |
Animal Shelter 540-507-7459 |
The County asks people to call 540-507-7459 to schedule an appointment Tuesday–Saturday for adoption, visitation, redemption or surrender. |
| Animal-control report |
Animal Control 540-582-7115 |
Use this for running-at-large animals, sick or injured animals, cruelty/neglect, animal bites and vicious-dog reports. |
| Immediate public-safety emergency |
Emergency services 911 |
Use 911 for serious injury, active attack, immediate danger or another urgent public-safety emergency. |
| Rabies exposure / animal bite public-health concern |
Animal Control and Health Department 540-582-7115 / 540-507-7386 |
VDH/RAHD guidance says bites and rabies exposures should be reported to local Animal Control and health authorities. |
Emergency & Important Spotsylvania Animal Contacts
These contacts are labeled by purpose. Do not use the adoption desk for urgent danger, and do not use 911 for routine adoption or fee questions.
| Contact | Number / route | Use this for |
|---|---|---|
| Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter | 540-507-7459 | Adoption, shelter visit appointments, lost reports, found reports, redemption/reclaim questions, surrender appointment routing and current shelter-animal questions. |
| Spotsylvania Animal Control / non-emergency | 540-582-7115 | Animal-control reports, bites, vicious dogs, suspected cruelty or neglect, sick/injured animals and non-emergency sheriff/animal control routing. |
| Emergency | 911 | Immediate danger, serious injury, active animal attack, urgent public-safety emergency, fire or medical emergency. |
| Spotsylvania Health Department | 540-507-7386 | Public-health guidance after possible rabies exposure, animal bite exposure or contact with a rabid or abnormal animal. |
| VDH after-hours RAHD route | 866-531-3068 | After-hours public-health routing when possible rabies exposure cannot wait for the next business day. |
| Sheriff’s Office main / non-emergency campus | 540-582-7115 | Sheriff’s Office non-emergency routing. The Sheriff’s Office address is 9119 Dean Ridings Lane, Spotsylvania, VA 22553. |
Spotsylvania Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
The County lists both lobby hours and adoption hours. For adoption, arrive early enough to meet animals and complete questions before the adoption window ends.
| Day / service | Current listed hours | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Lobby hours — Tuesday to Saturday | Noon–4:30 p.m. | General shelter front-lobby window. |
| Adoption hours — Tuesday to Saturday | Noon–4 p.m. | Use this window for adoption planning. |
| Sunday | Closed | Not a normal public adoption day. |
| Monday | Closed | Not a normal public adoption day. |
| Official holidays | Closed / confirm | Call before a holiday visit or long drive. |
Spotsylvania Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
The Sheriff’s Office Animal Control page lists adoption fees and says the fee includes spay or neuter and rabies vaccine. Confirm the exact animal-specific total before payment.
| Animal | Current listed fee | Included / planning detail |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | $85 | Fee includes spay/neuter and rabies vaccine. |
| Cat | $55 | Fee includes spay/neuter and rabies vaccine. |
| Small animal | $20 | Includes animals such as rabbits, gerbils or hamsters when available. |
| Livestock | $65 | Ask staff about transport, containment and care requirements. |
How Adoption Works at Spotsylvania Animal Shelter
Spotsylvania’s adoption rules are practical and protective. Read the rules before visiting so you do not lose time at the desk.
Check current animals first
Use the County’s official adoption/Facebook route or linked pet listings before driving for one specific dog, cat or small animal.
Call for appointment planning
Call 540-507-7459 for adoption or visitation appointment routing, especially if you are interested in a specific animal.
Visit during adoption hours
Adoption hours are Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Do not arrive at the last minute.
Meet the adopter requirements
Adopters must be at least 18. If you rent, bring written landlord permission with a phone number so the shelter can verify it.
Understand puppy and kitten limits
Animals under 16 weeks of age are limited to Spotsylvania County residents. Households with children under six may receive extra compatibility review for young puppies or kittens.
Plan post-adoption veterinary care
The shelter does not have an in-house veterinarian. The County adoption page says adopters should take the pet to a veterinarian within 10 days, with veterinary care fully the adopter’s responsibility.
Stray Holds and Reclaim Documents
A stray animal may not be adoptable right away. State-law hold periods give an owner time to reclaim a lost pet.
Stray with collar
The County stray-animal page says a stray animal with a collar is held for 10 days before being placed for adoption.
Stray without collar
The County says a stray animal without a collar is held five days before being placed for adoption.
Claiming a stray
Claimants must provide personal identification, a rabies vaccination certificate and a county license receipt.
Lost or Found Pet in Spotsylvania County
A missing pet can cross neighborhoods, rural roads, wooded areas and county boundaries quickly. File the correct report, but also keep checking in person and with surrounding shelters.
If your pet is missing
- Call Spotsylvania Animal Shelter at 540-507-7459.
- File a lost report with the local shelter and surrounding shelters.
- Visit the shelter and take a clear photo of your pet.
- Notify your veterinarian and nearby veterinarians.
- If tags are outdated, contact the tag-issuing agency and update your phone/address.
- Distribute lost-pet flyers and keep checking; do not give up after one call.
If you found an animal
- Call the shelter at 540-507-7459 to file a found report.
- Check safely for collars, tags, tattoos or other identification.
- Have a veterinarian, shelter or animal-control office scan for a microchip.
- Notify nearby veterinarians and neighbors.
- Distribute found-pet flyers when safe and appropriate.
- For injured, aggressive or unsafe animals, use Animal Control or emergency routing.
Animal Control Reports in Spotsylvania County
Animal Control is not just an adoption desk. It handles field-service reports and enforces animal laws and county ordinances.
Running-at-large animals
Call Animal Control when an animal is loose, unsafe, threatening traffic or creating a public-safety concern.
Sick, injured or neglected animals
Animal Control receives and investigates reports of sick or injured animals and suspected animal cruelty or neglect.
Bites and vicious dogs
The official page lists animal bites and vicious dogs as Animal Control issues. Use 911 if there is immediate danger.
Animal Bites and Rabies Reporting in Spotsylvania
Animal bites and possible rabies exposures need quick reporting and medical guidance. Do not wait for a normal adoption visit if a person or pet may have been exposed.
If a person was bitten
Rappahannock Area Health District guidance says to contact an emergency room or family physician and follow their advice, then contact local Animal Control or law enforcement as directed.
Dog/cat confinement
The health district says the dog or cat may need to be confined for at least 10 days so public-health authorities can observe for rabies risk.
Report exposure
A 2026 RAHD notice says animal bites and rabies exposures in Spotsylvania County must be reported to Spotsylvania County Animal Control at 540-582-7115.
Surrendering a Pet to Spotsylvania Animal Shelter
Surrender rules are local. The County’s give-up-a-pet page says you must be a Spotsylvania County or City of Fredericksburg resident to surrender a dog to the shelter. For cats, call first to see if space is available.
Dog surrender
The official page says dog surrender is limited to Spotsylvania County / City of Fredericksburg residents.
Cat surrender
Call the shelter first to ask whether cat space is available before transporting a cat.
Appointment planning
Call 540-507-7459 for surrender routing. Do not leave an animal outside the shelter.
Veterinary-Care Reality Check
The County adoption page says the shelter does not have a veterinarian in-house and that veterinary care after adoption is the full responsibility of the adopter. This page does not invent public veterinary clinic hours, doctor names or appointment prices.
No in-house vet claim
Because the County states there is no in-house veterinarian, this page does not use fake VeterinaryCare, Hospital, MedicalClinic or Physician schema for the shelter.
Vet visit after adoption
The County recommends taking the adopted pet to a veterinarian within 10 days.
Low-cost spay/neuter note
The Sheriff’s Office page says a low-cost spay/neuter clinic is housed at the shelter and operated by Lionhearts, Inc. Confirm current scheduling directly before relying on it.
Dog Licenses and Rabies Clinic
Spotsylvania County dog licensing is handled by the Treasurer’s Office, not the adoption desk. Dogs four months old or older in the county must be licensed under the County code.
| Item | Official route | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Dog license purchase |
Treasurer’s Office 540-507-7058 |
Purchase by mail to P.O. Box 100, Spotsylvania, VA 22553, or in person at the Holbert Building, 9104 Courthouse Road. |
| Dog-license requirement | County code | Dogs four months old or older in the county must be licensed. |
| Rabies clinic | Animal Control / Treasurer pre-registration | County rabies-clinic notices may change by date. Confirm the current year’s clinic date, pre-registration and cost before going. |
| Lifetime dog license | Treasurer’s Office | County materials say the Treasurer’s Office offers lifetime dog licenses for Spotsylvania County residents. |
Wildlife and Healthy Stray Cats
Not every animal issue should be handled like a normal pet adoption. Wildlife, feral cats and healthy stray cats may need different local instructions.
Wildlife issues
County wild-animal materials say the Animal Control division handles wildlife issues in Spotsylvania. Call before attempting to trap or move wildlife yourself.
Healthy stray cats
The County stray-animal page says Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter is not accepting healthy stray cats at this time and tells users to call 540-507-7459 for more information.
Abnormal behavior
If a wild or domestic animal is behaving abnormally, do not touch it. Report the concern to Animal Control, and follow health-department guidance if exposure may have occurred.
Volunteer and Foster Help
Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office Animal Control uses volunteer support to help shelter animals receive care, socialization and adoption support.
Canine walker
Helps dogs receive fresh air, exercise and socialization.
Feline helper
Visits with cats and kittens to socialize, comfort and brush them.
Greeter / adoption guide
Helps visitors through kennel areas and explains adoption/foster procedures.
Temporary foster parent
Provides temporary care for young, nursing or ill animals that are not ready for adoption.
Before You Visit 450 TV Drive
Adoption checklist
- Call 540-507-7459 before driving for one specific animal.
- Visit during Tuesday–Saturday noon–4 p.m. adoption hours.
- Bring photo ID and a payment method confirmed by the shelter.
- If renting, bring written landlord permission with phone number.
- Ask whether the animal is altered, vaccinated and ready to leave.
- Plan a veterinary visit within 10 days after adoption.
- Bring a carrier for cats or leash/collar setup for dogs.
Lost / reclaim checklist
- Bring recent photos showing unique markings.
- Bring personal identification.
- Bring rabies vaccination certificate.
- Bring county license receipt if available.
- Give the exact lost/found location and date.
- Check surrounding shelters, especially near county boundaries.
Simple Call Scripts
When you are worried about a pet, it is easy to forget key details. These short scripts keep the call clear.
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in [pet name or ID] at Spotsylvania Animal
Shelter. Is the pet still available, do I need an appointment, and
what is the current adoption fee and pickup timing?
Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing from [street/neighborhood]. The pet is
[description], [microchipped/not microchipped], and was last seen
at [time]. Can I file a lost report and check impounded animals?
Found animal
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/other animal] at [exact location]. The animal
is [safe/injured/aggressive]. Should I file a found report, bring
the animal in, or request Animal Control help?
Bite / rabies concern
Hi, I need to report [animal bite/rabies exposure/abnormal animal]
at [location]. The animal is [owned/stray/wild/unknown], and the
person or pet exposed is [details]. Should I call Animal Control,
Health Department, or 911?
Map: Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter
Use this map for travel planning to 450 TV Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408. Confirm adoption hours, appointment needs and pet availability before leaving.
Official Spotsylvania / Virginia Resources
Use these official sources for live hours, forms, current policies, local public-health routing and public-safety instructions.
Spotsylvania Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Spotsylvania Animal Shelter located?
Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter is located at 450 TV Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408.
What is the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter phone number?
The shelter appointment, adoption, lost-pet and found-pet phone number is 540-507-7459.
What is the Spotsylvania Animal Control phone number?
The Animal Control / non-emergency phone number listed by official sources is 540-582-7115.
What are Spotsylvania Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Adoption hours are Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. The shelter is closed Sunday, Monday and official holidays for normal public adoption visits.
What are the shelter lobby hours?
The County lists lobby hours as Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4:30 p.m.
Do I need to call before adoption or visitation?
Yes. The County Animal Control page says to call 540-507-7459 to schedule an appointment Tuesday through Saturday for adoption, visitation, redemption or surrender.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
The current listed dog adoption fee is $85, and official sources say the adoption fee includes spay or neuter and rabies vaccine.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat?
The current listed cat adoption fee is $55, and official sources say the adoption fee includes spay or neuter and rabies vaccine.
How much are small animals and livestock?
Current listed fees are $20 for small animals and $65 for livestock.
What are the adopter requirements?
Adopters must be at least 18. Renters must have written landlord permission with a telephone number before adoption. Adopters must also agree to follow state and local animal laws.
Can non-county residents adopt puppies or kittens?
The County adoption page says if the animal is under 16 weeks of age, the adopter must live in Spotsylvania County.
Does the shelter have an in-house veterinarian?
The County adoption page says the shelter does not have a veterinarian in-house and that adopters are responsible for veterinary care after adoption.
How soon should an adopted pet see a veterinarian?
The County adoption page says it is very important to take the adopted pet to a veterinarian within 10 days.
How long are stray animals held?
The County stray-animal page says a stray animal with a collar is held 10 days, and a stray animal without a collar is held five days before being placed for adoption.
What do I need to reclaim a stray animal?
Claimants must provide personal identification, a rabies vaccination certificate and a county license receipt.
Is the shelter accepting healthy stray cats?
The County stray-animal page says Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter is not accepting healthy stray cats at this time and tells people to call 540-507-7459 for more information.
What should I do if my pet is missing?
Call 540-507-7459, file a lost report, visit the shelter and surrounding shelters, bring a photo, notify veterinarians and update any tag or microchip contact information.
What should I do if I found a pet?
Call 540-507-7459 to file a found report, check for identification, scan for a microchip when possible and use Animal Control if the animal is injured, aggressive or unsafe.
What number should I call after an animal bite?
For Spotsylvania County animal bites or rabies exposures, use Animal Control at 540-582-7115 unless there is an immediate emergency. For serious injury or immediate danger, call 911.
Who handles dog licenses?
Spotsylvania County dog license purchases are handled by the Treasurer’s Office. Call 540-507-7058 for dog-license questions.
Can I surrender a pet to Spotsylvania Animal Shelter?
For dog surrender, you must be a Spotsylvania County or City of Fredericksburg resident. For cats, call first to ask whether space is available. Use 540-507-7459 for current surrender routing.
Is Animal-Shelter.org the official Spotsylvania shelter website?
No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide. Use official Spotsylvania County, Sheriff’s Office and Virginia Department of Health sources for live instructions.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.