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Scott County Animal Shelter
186 Single Tree Rd,
Gate City,
VA, 24251

Phone: 276-452-1325
E-mail: jdougherty@scottcountyva.com

Opening Hours:
Monday - Tuesday: 8am-1pm
Wednesday - Friday: 8am - 5pm, Saturday: 12pm-5pm
Closed Sunday and Holidays
NOTE: We prefer you to make an appointment prior to visiting the dogs in our shelter to prevent crowding. Our number is (276) 452-1325 - leave a message on the voicemail.

The pet in the photo (top right) is looking for a home. Click on the picture for more information about it.

Lost and Found Pets are featured on our Facebook Page

Who we are
Scott County Animal Shelter is a small rural facility in the southwest of Virginia. While Scott County Animal Shelter is not yet a no-kill facility, this is a goal we strive to achieve each and every day. We are also fortunate enough to work with some amazing rescue groups and dedicated individuals who help us move animals to safety each and every week. For more information see the Scott County Animal Control website.

Wellness Plan and Shelter Fees
Animals will be vaccinated upon intake and a record kept of these vaccinations. This record will travel with the dog when it leaves the shelter on adoption or being returned to its owner. We hope that this promotes a lifetime of proper care for the animal. Due to this new wellness plan, there will now be fees associated with adoption and an initial increase in fees for those returned to their owner. These fees are in place to cover the costs of vaccinations and for housing the animal in the shelter.

Adoption fee for a dog is $30 (cash only), and we require that all dogs adopted from us are spayed/neutered, and vaccinated within 30 days of adoption (or once animal is of age). Dogs that are adopted to out of state residents must be spayed/neutered prior to leaving Virginia. If the dog is not of age (puppy) to be spayed/neutered then it will not be adopted to individuals that live outside of Virginia.

Lost your dog?
Stray dogs without identication are kept for 5 days before being put up for adoption. Dogs with identication are kept for 10 days before being put up for adoption. Contact the shelter to check whether your pet is there. Some of the stray dogs are featured on the Scott County Virginia Animal Shelter Adoptables Facebook Page but not all are put here so contact the shelter if you have lost your dog. Return to Owner Fee: $13 (cash only) the first day, then $3.00 each day afterwards.

Find the right dog for you
When looking for that new family member please remember to really think about the things you and your family want and need in a pet that fits the family lifestyle. Get to know your breeds! Some breeds require more space, exercise and circumstances than others. Even if you are going to adopt a mixed breed, look into what it's primary breed needs in a home, environment and exercise. Your new family member needs to be wanted by everyone in the family and included in your daily lives to be truly happy. Click here for more information on how to find the right dog.

Please Donate to Help the Dogs
We need towels, blankets, hard and soft dog food, basic cleaning supplies and dog beds. We also have an Amazon Wishlist. See our Donation Page for other items we can use. You can also donate to our Spay/Neuter Fund. For more information about how you can donate, see our Donation Page. On behalf of the dogs thank you.

No Squeeky Toys Please
Toys that make a noise when you squeeze them can encourage some dogs to be aggressive towards young children because they squeek too. The device that makes the noise is usually small and can be harmful if swallowed. Some toys of this type contain a small battery which is poisonous if the dog eats it. The best toys are tuggers, tennis balls and hard chew toys that cannot be ripped apart.

Changes to Dog Tethering Law
From July 1, 2020, there are changes to dog tethering laws across the state of Virginia.

The legislation expanded the definition of 'adequate shelter' for family dogs. It is illegal to leave tethered dogs outside when temperatures are below 32°F or above 85°F or when the weather service issues warnings for hurricanes, tornadoes and other severe weather.

The legislation also increases the minimum length of a tether from 10 feet to 15 feet.

Additionally, dogs must be provided adequate shelter during hot weather that is properly shaded and does not readily conduct heat. During cold weather, the shelter must have a windbreak at its entrance and provide bedding material (such as straw, cedar shavings, or similar) that is sufficient to protect the animal from cold and promote the retention of body heat.

Adequate Shelter Virgina Code 3.2-6500
Click here for more information


Keep your dog in the family


Visiting Scott County Animal Shelter
Please phone us on 276-452-1325 to check that the dog you want to visit is still available.
Location Map of Gate City, VA



This website is operated and maintained by The Dog Rescues Network as a service to the community. We have no connection with Scott County Animal Shelter. No payment has been received or is required. For enquiries about this website e-mail: webmaster@dogrescues.net