July 26, 2002
LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL
39820 Charles Town Pike
Waterford
Robert Montgomery, director
Eastern Loudoun number: 703-777-0406
Western Loudoun number: 540-882-3211
To dispatch an animal control officer for emergencies, contact the Sheriff's Office: 703-777-0445
Animal Shelter
Office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Animal Viewing and Adoption hours: Monday and Tuesday 1 p.m.-6 p.m.; Wednesday 1 p.m.-8 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed on Sundays and holidays
The Loudoun County Animal Shelter is a 13-acre facility that provides adoption, health and isolation services for dogs and cats. The shelter is a home for stray and abandoned animals, sells dog licenses, provides educational tours and adoption services for residents of Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Clarke and Fauquier counties.
Adoptions: Adoptions are available for the shelter's dogs, cats and other livestock, exotic animals that are allowed in Northern Virginia counties. All cats and dogs must be spayed or neutered by a Loudoun County veterinarian. Adoption fees, which vary per animal, include spaying/neutering, worming, vaccinations, flea and tick treatment and a free health check. Potential adopters should visit the shelter during animal viewing and adoption hours. When an animal is found, an adoption application must be completed and approved. Application approval takes 48 hours, after which the potential adopters will be notified of their approval or disapproval.
Strays: All stray dogs must stay with the animal shelter for 10 days and all stray cats must stay with the shelter for five days, after which the animal becomes the property of the county. Approved strays are available for adoption, however, the adoption will be voided if the owner of the stray comes forward.
Lost Pets: In the event that a pet is lost, you can check the animal shelter Web site (http://www.loudoun.gov/animals/shelter.htm) to see if the animal is on the Found Pets list. If not, call the shelter to file a Lost Report. Loudoun residents can contact WAGE Radio in Leesburg to broadcast a free missing pet notification at 703-777-1200. Flyers can be faxed to Cablevision of Loudoun at 703-404-8167. When the pet is found, all reports should be canceled.
Found Pets: Residents who find a pet should call the shelter and notify local veterinarians. Loudoun residents can contact WAGE Radio in Leesburg to broadcast a free found pet notification at 703-777-1200. Flyers can be faxed to Cablevision of Loudoun at 703-404-8167. All reports should be canceled once the pet has been reunited with its owner.
Reclaiming a Pet: To reclaim a pet, a person need proof of ownership — a rabies vaccination certificate, veterinary records or a dog license will suffice. Daily boarding fees at the shelter are $10 for livestock, $8 for dogs and $5 for cats, reptiles, exotic animals, rabbits, ferrets and rodents. In the event that an animal warden brings the pet to the shelter, there will be a $23 pickup fee for the first time. Subsequent pickups in a 24-month period are $43.
Giving Up a Pet: The giving up of pets must be done during normal shelter business hours. There is no guarantee of the animal's adoption and no information is provided on the ultimate disposition of the animal if later asked. Loudoun County residents have the right to reclaim their pets within 24 business hours.
Tours: Tours are provided by the animal shelter for schools, civic organizations and organized groups. Tours should be scheduled with the animal shelter at least six months in advance. Shelter tours are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, lasting between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on group size. Evening tours are offered on Tuesdays only at 6 p.m.
Off-site Presentations: Organized groups and civic organizations should contact the shelter well in advance. Off-site presentations can be given Tuesdays through Fridays and some weekends. Presentation times are coordinated with the group or organization.
Volunteers: Volunteers are always welcome at the animal shelter. Positions are available in the areas of animal care, clerical support/customer service, the pet adoption program, the public education program and special programs. Volunteers must be at least 15 years of age, must have attended a volunteer orientation meeting, must have submitted a volunteer registration document and have successfully completed training. All volunteers work in two to four hour shifts Monday through Saturday. For more information on times, schedules and position descriptions, visit the Web site at www.loudoun.gov/animals/volunteers.htm.
ANIMAL CONTROL
To dispatch an animal control officer for emergencies, contact the Sheriff's Office: 703-777-0445
Regular response hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Emergency response hours: Monday-Friday, 4 p.m.-8 a.m.; weekends and holidays 24 hours. Telephone: 703-777-0445.
Response times: 45 minutes for high priority cases; several days for low priority cases
Loudoun County Animal Control provides numerous services to communities including the investigation of animal attacks, providing emergency help to sick animals or victims of animal cruelty, investigating cases of animal cruelty, removing strays from residences and businesses, and enforcing dog license and rabies certificate laws.
Wildlife: The animal shelter does not house or care for wildlife. If orphaned wildlife is found or other wildlife assistance is needed, contact The Wildlife Rescue League of Northern Virginia hotline at 703-440-0800 or on their Web site, www.wildliferescueleague.org. Loudoun County animal wardens will primarily respond to wildlife cases that pose a threat to humans or domestic animals but will not respond to reported nuisances that do not pose a real threat.
Dog Licenses: Dog licenses are required for all dogs in the county 4 months of age or older. Licenses go on sale each November and must be purchased by January 31. New residents of Loudoun County can purchase dog licenses year-round. All licenses expire on December 31 of every year. The licenses must be secured to collars and worn whenever the animal is off the owner's property. The price for dog licenses is $5 for neutered males/spayed females with the presentation of a valid rabies certificate. Dog licenses for intact males and females are $10. Licenses can be purchased at the animal shelter and the following locations:
The Office of the Treasurer
21641 Ridgetop Circle
Suite 104
Sterling
The Office of the Treasurer
1 Harrison St.
Leesburg
Licenses can also be purchased by mail at:
Loudoun County Department of Animal Care and Control
39820 Charles Town Pike
Waterford, VA 20197
Failure to purchase dog licenses can result in a $250 fine and is classified as a Class IV Misdemeanor.