Loudoun County Animal Shelter, Adoption & Pets 2026

Home › Virginia Animal Shelters › Loudoun County Animal Shelter
Verified Loudoun County Shelter Guide

Loudoun County Animal Shelter Guide: Adoption, Lost Pets, Fees, Humane Law Enforcement, Video & Map

Loudoun County Animal Services in Leesburg, Virginia helps residents adopt pets, find lost animals, report animal welfare concerns, access humane law enforcement, and connect with county animal services. This 2026 guide gives you the verified hours, address, phone number, adoption fees, lost-pet steps, emergency routing, official links and map.

Official shelter address 42225 Adoption Drive, Leesburg, VA 20175
Main phone 703-777-0406
Adoption hours shown 11:00 AM–5:30 PM daily

Quick Answer: What is Loudoun County Animal Shelter?

Loudoun County Animal Shelter is operated by Loudoun County Animal Services at 42225 Adoption Drive in Leesburg, Virginia. Adoption hours are listed as 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Sunday, with kennel viewing until 6:00 PM. For adoption, lost and found pets, and animal-services questions, call 703-777-0406.

Best first move: view available pets online before visiting, write down the animal name or ID, and arrive by 5:00 PM if you plan to adopt. Loudoun County says no new adoptions start after 5:30 PM.

Choose what you need today

Most people searching for “Loudoun County animal shelter” have a specific task. Use this quick action grid to jump to the right section.

Loudoun County Animal Services quick facts

Official nameLoudoun County Animal Services
Shelter address42225 Adoption Drive, Leesburg, VA 20175
Main phone703-777-0406
Adoption hours11:00 AM–5:30 PM, Monday–Sunday
Business/call hours8:30 AM–6:00 PM, Monday–Sunday
Emergency after hoursLoudoun County Sheriff’s Office: 703-777-0445 for serious qualifying situations
Source-check note: Always confirm directly with Loudoun County before visiting. Hours, fees, animal availability, mobile adoption events, waiver events and humane law enforcement instructions can change.

Video Guide: See how Loudoun County Animal Services presents adoptable pets

The most intent-matching video option is from the official Loudoun County Animal Services YouTube presence. It helps users understand that available animals can be promoted individually, that online listings move quickly, and that adoption interest should be followed by checking the official pet page and calling the shelter.

How to use this video: watch it for adoption context, then use the official available-pets page for current animals. A pet shown in any video may already be adopted, moved, fostered or unavailable by the time you visit.

Loudoun County Animal Shelter adoption process

Loudoun County Animal Services encourages visitors to view animals online before coming to the shelter. Adoptions are handled in person, and applications are not accepted by fax or email. The county also states that adoptions are first-come, first-adopt, and it cannot take holds or payments before the adopter arrives and completes the required steps.

View pets online before driving.
Check cats, dogs and “everyone else,” which may include rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, livestock, reptiles and other animals.
Visit the shelter in person.
Adoption applications are accepted in person at the animal shelter or on the mobile adoption vehicle, not by email or fax.
Meet with an adoption counselor.
A counselor can help you choose a pet that matches your household, experience level and realistic daily schedule.
Submit the application and hold deposit.
The county describes a non-refundable adoption hold deposit as part of the application process.
Finalize the adoption contract.
If no extra information is needed, the contract may be finalized the same day. Otherwise, the county may schedule an appointment.
Bring transport supplies.
Bring a collar and leash for a dog, a carrier for a cat, or a small cage/carrier for a small animal.

Loudoun County Animal Shelter adoption fees

These are the fee categories listed on the official Loudoun County adoption process and fees page during verification. Confirm the current amount before visiting because fee-waived events and policy changes may apply.

Animal type Official fee listed Planning note
Kitten under 7 months$150Ask whether the kitten is ready to go home and what medical records are available.
Cat 7 months–9 years$55Ask about personality, litter habits, indoor/outdoor restrictions and health history.
Wise Whisker Cat over 9 years$25Ask about senior-care needs, dental care, medication and future vet follow-up.
Puppy under 1 year$175Plan for training, vaccines, chewing, socialization and time at home.
Dog 1–9 years$150Ask about leash behavior, dog compatibility, children, energy level and known history.
Wise Whisker Dog over 9 years$100Ask about mobility, stairs, medication, dental care and daily exercise needs.
Rabbit$25Ask about housing, diet, litter setup and whether the rabbit is comfortable being handled.
Small pet such as hamster or rat$5Bring a secure small animal carrier and ask about cage needs.
Exotic pet such as ferret or chinchilla$30Research species-specific care before adopting.
Reptiles and amphibians$30+Ask about heating, lighting, enclosure, food and safe transport.
Small bird such as finch or parakeet$5Ask about cage size, diet and flight safety.
Medium bird such as cockatiel$20Ask about noise, social needs and handling.
Large bird such as macaw$100Ask about experience requirements, lifespan, noise and space.
LivestockPlease callCall before visiting because handling, transport and property needs vary.
Poultry and fish$2Ask about safe transport and legal/property restrictions.
After-adoption health tip: Loudoun County notes that the shelter may not always know a pet’s prior medical history or vaccination status. Use the free health checkup offered by participating veterinarians as soon as possible after adoption.

Adoption requirements and what to bring

Age and IDAdopters must be at least 18 years old and provide valid photo identification.
Rental permissionIf you do not own your home, confirm that pets are permitted before visiting.
Legal complianceVirginia adopters should be ready to prove compliance with rabies and dog license rules where applicable.
All adults should meet the petLoudoun County encourages all adults in the household to visit with the pet before adoption.
Outdoor pets may need inspectionApplications for pets kept outside or indoor/outdoor may require a home inspection.
Special-needs petsYou must meet any applicable special needs requirements for the animal.

Lost pet in Loudoun County: what to do first

If your pet is missing, start fast. Loudoun County says to call 703-777-0406 to create a lost report. That report is used to cross-reference pets brought to the shelter or reported found in the community.

Search home and yard first.
Check closets, garages, sheds, under decks, basements, vehicles, thick shrubs and quiet hiding spaces.
Call LCAS to file a lost report.
Use 703-777-0406. Give species, breed/mix, color, sex, microchip status, collar details and last-known location.
Check found/stray listings.
Search found/stray cats, dogs and other pets/livestock on the official Loudoun pages.
Visit in person if possible.
The county says it is best to come in person to see whether your pet is at the shelter.
Update microchip records.
Use your registry and the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup. Make sure your phone and email are current.
Bring proof of ownership.
Bring photos, vet records, license records, adoption papers, microchip registration or other proof.
Stray hold timing matters: Loudoun County’s lost pet checklist says stray dogs and other pets with identification are held for 10 days, while pets without identification are held for 5 days. If not reclaimed in those periods, the pet becomes the property of LCAS.

Found a pet in Loudoun County

If you found a pet, the goal is to reunite the animal with the owner safely. Do not assume the animal was abandoned, and do not give the pet away online without checking ownership. Contact Loudoun County Animal Services and follow the official lost-and-found process.

Found a dogCall LCAS, check for tags, note the exact location and use safe handling. Stray dogs should be handled through Animal Services.
Found a catSome cats are indoor/outdoor or hiding near home. Check for ID and report before assuming the cat is abandoned.
Found livestock or exotic petsCall before transporting. Some animals need special handling, property requirements or equipment.
Found an injured animalFor serious animal welfare situations after hours, use the emergency route listed by the county or call 911 for immediate danger.
Found-pet call script: “Hi, I found a [dog/cat/other animal] near [location]. The animal is [description], has [tag/collar/no ID], and I can send photos. What is the correct Loudoun County next step?”

Report a concern to Loudoun County Humane Law Enforcement

Loudoun County provides an online animal complaint route through Loudoun Express Request for certain non-emergency complaints. The official page lists examples such as non-life-threatening welfare concerns, nuisance domestic animal issues, feces removal complaints, non-current dogs running at large and non-current aggressive stray animal reports.

Online complaint examplesNon-life-threatening welfare concerns, nuisance domestic animals, feces complaints and non-current roaming/aggressive animal issues.
Barking dog first complaintFirst-time complaints about barking dogs at a particular address can be made online.
Repeat barking complaintFuture barking complaints for the same address should be made by phone to 703-777-0406 while barking is occurring.
After-hours barking complaintAfter-hours complaints can be made to 703-777-1021.
Urgent issues not onlineEmergency animal welfare issues, sick/injured wildlife, wild exposures and current aggressive stray complaints are time-sensitive and not suited for routine online submission.
Business-hours dispatcherLCAS dispatchers can be reached at 703-777-0406 during business hours.

Surrender, owner resources and alternatives

Loudoun County’s services and programs page states that Animal Services is available as a resource when Loudoun residents are unable to keep their pets, and that the page includes alternative options to surrendering. Because surrender policies can depend on capacity, residency, species, behavior and medical needs, call first before arriving with an owned pet.

Before surrendering: ask whether an appointment is required, whether a fee applies, what paperwork is needed, whether surrender is permanent, and whether pet food, training, medical, rehoming or temporary support options are available.
Prepare historyAge, species, breed, sex, spay/neuter status, vaccine history, medical problems, bite history, behavior notes and reason for surrender.
Ask about alternativesFood support, rehoming, rescue transfer, training help or temporary care may help some pets stay out of the shelter.
Be honestBehavior and medical details help the shelter make safe placement decisions.
Do not abandonNever leave an animal outside the shelter or on private property. Call LCAS for the correct process.

Volunteer, donate, dog licensing and pet services

Loudoun County Animal Services provides more than adoption. The county site links to volunteer opportunities, donations, dog licensing, lost and found pets, report-a-concern options, pet resources and animal services events.

VolunteerUse the official county volunteer page for current requirements, training and available roles.
DonateUse official county or approved partner routes. Avoid unverified donation links.
Dog licenseVirginia residents should understand dog licensing and rabies compliance rules.
Barn catsLoudoun has a barn cat adoption route for cats needing outdoor homes.

Call scripts for common Loudoun County shelter needs

Adoption script: “Hi, I’m interested in adopting [animal name/ID]. Is the pet still available, and what should I bring for the in-person application?”

Lost pet script: “Hi, my [dog/cat/other pet] is missing near [location]. The pet is [description] and may have [collar/microchip]. I need to file a lost report and check found pets.”

Found pet script: “Hi, I found a [species] near [location]. The animal is [description] and appears [safe/injured/scared]. What is the correct Loudoun County reporting step?”

Concern script: “Hi, I need to report a non-emergency animal concern at [location]. It involves [brief issue]. Should I submit it online or call Humane Law Enforcement?”

Loudoun County Animal Shelter map and directions

The official shelter address is 42225 Adoption Drive, Leesburg, VA 20175. Loudoun County describes the shelter as located in Leesburg, approximately 4 miles from Route 7. From the east of Leesburg, the county directions route visitors via Route 7, Battlefield Parkway SE, Sycolin Road, Crosstrail Boulevard, Kincaid Boulevard and Adoption Drive.

Before you drive: check current available pets, write down IDs, arrive by 5:00 PM for adoption counseling, bring ID and transport supplies, and call first if your need is urgent or service-specific.

Official Loudoun County Animal Services links

Animal Services homeOfficial Animal Services
Available petsAvailable Pets
Process and feesAdoption Process & Fees
Hours and directionsShelter Hours & Directions
Lost and found petsLost & Found Pets
Lost pet checklistLost Pet Checklist
Report a concernHumane Law Enforcement
Official YouTubeLCAS YouTube

Common mistakes that slow people down

Arriving too late to adoptNo new adoptions start after 5:30 PM, and the county encourages adopters to arrive by 5:00 PM.
Trying to apply by emailApplications are accepted in person at the shelter or mobile adoption vehicle, not by fax or email.
Waiting on a lost petCall quickly, file a lost report, check official found-pet listings and visit in person.
Forgetting a carrierBring a leash/collar for dogs, cat carrier for cats and secure cage/carrier for small animals.
Using online complaints for urgent issuesSome welfare or aggressive animal issues require phone/emergency routing, not a routine online form.
Ignoring legal requirementsRabies vaccination, dog licensing and local animal laws can affect adoption approval.

Loudoun County Animal Shelter FAQs

The main Loudoun County Animal Services phone number is 703-777-0406.

The shelter is located at 42225 Adoption Drive, Leesburg, VA 20175.

Adoption hours are listed as 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Sunday. Visitors may view animals until 6:00 PM, but no new adoptions begin after 5:30 PM.

The official fee page lists puppies under 1 year at $175, dogs 1–9 years at $150, and Wise Whisker dogs over 9 years at $100.

The official fee page lists kittens under 7 months at $150, cats 7 months to 9 years at $55, and Wise Whisker cats over 9 years at $25.

No. Loudoun County says adoption applications are accepted in person at the animal shelter or mobile adoption vehicle and cannot be accepted by fax or email.

Call 703-777-0406 to create a lost report, check official found-pet listings, update microchip records and visit the shelter in person if possible.

The county lost pet checklist says stray dogs and other pets with identification are held for 10 days, while pets without identification are held for 5 days.

Use the official Report a Concern page for non-emergency complaints, or call 703-777-0406 during business hours. After-hours emergency complaints can be routed through 703-777-1021.

The county hours page says emergency assistance is available outside posted hours through the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office at 703-777-0445 for serious situations involving threats to humans, cruelty, sick or injured domestic animals, or similar qualifying emergencies.

Yes. Loudoun County Animal Services has an official YouTube presence, and this guide includes a relevant adoption-context video.

No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent directory guide. The official source is Loudoun.gov and Loudoun County Animal Services.

USA-wide shelter helper • adoption, lost pets, found pets, surrender and animal control

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.

Lost Pet PlanSearch, microchip, shelter checks, flyers
Found Pet HelpSafety, scanning, reporting, holding
Adoption PlannerReadiness, questions, supplies, budget
Visit ChecklistDocuments, call script, official links

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.

Important: Shelter rules vary by city, county, agency, and animal type. Always confirm hours, intake rules, fees, appointment requirements, and proof-of-ownership rules with the official shelter or animal control agency before visiting.

Lost pet recovery checklist

Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.

0% completed

Found pet safety decision helper

Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.

Safety first: Do not approach an aggressive, injured, trapped, or traffic-endangered animal if doing so could put you or others at risk. Contact animal control, emergency services, or a qualified professional when needed.

Adoption readiness checker

This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.

0% readiness signals checked

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.

Helpful reminder: Ask the shelter about pet food pantries, low-cost vet care, behavior support, temporary foster options, and safe rehoming resources before making a final decision.

Animal control contact decision helper

Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.

Emergency warning: If there is immediate danger to a person, a serious bite, traffic hazard, or active attack, contact local emergency services or animal control according to local rules.

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.

USA-wide Shelter user intent Official-source focused

Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.