Prince William County Animal Shelter & Adoption 2026

Address

14807 Bristow Road, Manassas, VA 20112.

The center is located across Route 234 from the Prince William County Landfill.

Shelter phone

703-792-6465.

Use this for adoption, lost/found, reclaim, surrender appointment, foster and volunteer questions.

Public hours

Tue–Fri: 11 AM–5 PM.

Sat: 10 AM–4 PM. Sun: noon–4 PM. Monday closed except reclaim/donations.

Animal Control

703-792-6500.

Use Police non-emergency routing for Animal Control, injured animals, cruelty concerns, found pets after hours and urgent animal issues.

Dogs, cats and more

The center adopts dogs, cats, small domestic animals, reptiles, birds, livestock and poultry when animals are available and eligible.

Reclaim and found reports

The center scans stray animals for microchips, files lost/found reports and requires proof of ownership when animals are redeemed.

Police Animal Control

Animal Control Officers enforce county and state animal laws, assist with injured, sick or stray animals and investigate animal welfare concerns.

Dogs

Ask about leash behavior, energy level, kennel stress, medical notes, heartworm testing, spay/neuter timing and home introduction needs.

Cats

Ask about litter habits, hiding, temperament, FIV/FeLV testing, indoor-only transition, other cats and carrier transport.

Small pets

Ask about cage size, bedding, diet, temperature, enrichment, group needs and safe handling.

Livestock and poultry

Ask about zoning, fencing, shelter, transport, food, veterinary care and legal ownership requirements.

If your pet is missing

• Call 703-792-6465 during center hours to report the missing pet.
• After 5 PM, call Police non-emergency at 703-792-6500.
• Email or provide a clear, recent photo of the pet when possible.
• Visit the center in person because descriptions and photos may not match perfectly.
• Bring proof of ownership such as license, vet records, microchip certificate, adoption contract, photos/videos, bill of sale or lease listing the animal.
• Update microchip information and keep your phone on.

If you found a pet

• Call 703-792-6465 or email the center to place a found report.
• Call Police Communications at 703-792-6500 if you need an Animal Control Officer or Police Officer pickup.
• Bring the animal to 14807 Bristow Road if safe and appropriate.
• After normal hours, contact Police non-emergency so an officer can safely transport the animal.
• Do not permanently rehome a found pet without following legal lost/found steps.
• Ask for microchip scanning because the center can scan and track identifying information.

Call 703-792-6500

Use the Police non-emergency number for animal welfare concerns, animal law violations, injured/sick animals, strays, bites and after-hours routing.

Cruelty and neglect

Provide the exact address, animal description, date, time and clear facts. Avoid guesses and explain what you personally observed.

Use emergency help

For active attacks, immediate threats to people, severe injuries or life-threatening situations, use emergency services instead of waiting on routine shelter response.

Before surrendering

• Try trusted family, friends, community groups or responsible rehoming resources first.
• Call 703-792-6465 or email animalservices@pwcgov.org for the managed intake list or appointment.
• Prepare photo ID and proof of Prince William County residency.
• Bring veterinary records, vaccine history and medication details.
• Complete the appropriate pet profile / intake questionnaire if requested.
• Be honest about bite history, behavior, fear, illness, medications, other animals and children.

What not to do

• Do not arrive without an appointment if it is not an emergency.
• Do not assume space is available the same day.
• Do not leave a pet outside the center or in the parking area.
• Do not hide medical or behavior history.
• Do not surrender a pet adopted from another rescue before contacting that original organization first.
• Do not sign owner release forms unless you understand that release is final.

Dog license

Adopted dogs should have licensing handled according to county dog license rules. Keep rabies vaccination information available.

Microchip registration

Adopted dogs leave with a microchip registered to SmartTag. Complete your registration and keep contact details current.

Health exam

Use the complimentary health exam certificate within the listed period and ask your veterinarian about tests, vaccines and preventatives.

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers must be at least 18, pass a criminal history check, use email/internet for scheduling and commit to minimum service expectations.

Dog volunteer work

Dog volunteers may need to control large, untrained or pulling dogs, so physical confidence and careful judgment matter.

Foster program

Fosters help animals who are not yet available, have medical needs, are recovering, are not thriving in the shelter or need extra support.

Photo ID

Bring valid identification for adoption, reclaim, surrender appointment, volunteer or official records.

Housing approval

If renting, confirm pet permission, breed limits, size limits, pet deposits and landlord rules before adopting.

Payment method

Bring a payment method for adoption, reclaim, boarding, impoundment, license or other applicable fees.

Dog transport plan

Bring a collar, leash, harness, crate or safe vehicle setup if adopting or reclaiming a dog.

Cat carrier

Bring a secure carrier for cats or kittens. A loose cat in a car is unsafe and stressful.

Proof records

For reclaim, bring license, vet records, microchip certificate, adoption contract, photos/videos or other proof of ownership.

First 24 hours

• Keep the new pet in a calm starter space.
• Do not introduce every person, neighbor and resident pet immediately.
• Use a leash, crate, carrier, baby gate or safe room as needed.
• Expect hiding, pacing, barking, whining, reduced appetite or nervous behavior.
• Read all vaccine, microchip, spay/neuter and follow-up paperwork.

Days 2–7

• Set predictable feeding, potty, walk and rest routines.
• Use slow introductions with resident pets.
• Schedule veterinary follow-up and recommended tests.
• Watch for coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, limping, refusal to eat or severe anxiety.
• Contact the center, veterinarian or qualified trainer early if the pet is struggling.

Arrive early

Give yourself enough time for pet meetings, questions, adoption contract review and transport planning.

Check listings first

Available animals change quickly. Have backup pets in mind before you drive.

Use the right number

Use 703-792-6465 for the center and 703-792-6500 for Animal Control or after-hours found/lost pet routing.

Before visiting

• Do not plan a normal adoption visit on Monday.
• Do not drive for one pet without checking current availability.
• Do not arrive near closing if you need adoption counseling or paperwork.
• Do not forget proof of ownership when reclaiming a pet.
• Do not call the adoption counter for urgent Animal Control issues.

Before adopting or surrendering

• Do not adopt without checking landlord, HOA or household restrictions.
• Do not ignore spay/neuter timing and veterinary follow-up.
• Do not surrender without first calling or emailing for managed intake.
• Do not hide bite, medical or behavior history.
• Do not skip first-week decompression planning.