Loudoun County Animal Care & Control

Adoption process

The Loudoun County Animal Shelter offers dogs, cats, and various other animals for adoption. Adoption fees are outlined below. Applications for adoption can only be submitted during designated viewing and adoption hours. If you arrive before these hours, you will need to wait until the shelter opens or return at the appropriate time. According to Virginia law, all dogs, cats, and rabbits adopted from the shelter must be spayed or neutered as part of the adoption process, unless they have already undergone this procedure. The adoption fee includes the cost of spay/neuter surgery when necessary. It also covers a distemper vaccination, deworming, flea and tick treatment, and a free health check from a participating veterinarian in Loudoun County. Adoption counselors are available to provide information about the animals and answer any questions. Adopting a pet is a long-term commitment, and adopters are encouraged to spend ample time with the animals to ensure a good match for their home and lifestyle. The adoption process involves the following steps: 1. If you are adopting a dog, you will first complete a Meet Your Match survey to receive a color card that corresponds to the color cards on the dog kennels, assisting you in finding the best match. 2. Visit with the animals, with assistance from an adoption counselor who will help you in your selection. 3. Submit an adoption application. This application will be reviewed within 24 to 72 hours, and you will be notified if additional information is required. Please note that animals typically do not go home the same day the application is submitted. 4. Finalize your adoption contract, which may occur at the same time you submit your application. 5. Pick up your new pet. If the pet is already spayed or neutered, this will take place at the shelter. If not, you will pick up your pet from the veterinarian's office after the surgery. While we strive to provide the best care for animals in our shelter, we may not always have complete information about their prior medical history or vaccination status. We conduct basic health checkups but do not have veterinarians on staff. It is crucial to take advantage of the free health checkup offered by our participating veterinarians soon after adoption. While the office visit is complimentary, the veterinarian may recommend vaccinations and other care options that you may wish to consider. Adoption Fees: Dogs: - Male: $70.00 - Neutered male: $30.00 - Female: $75.00 - Spayed female: $30.00 Cats: - Male: $50.00 - Neutered male: $10.00 - Female: $60.00 - Spayed female: $10.00 Rabbits: $5.00 Other Animals: Fees vary.