Stafford County Animal Shelter

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

🐾 Volunteers Needed! 🐾

The Stafford County Animal Shelter is looking for dedicated volunteers to help us care for the animals who depend on us every day.

As an open-admission animal shelter, we accept animals regardless of age, medical condition, behavior, or circumstance. Right now, we have 157 animals under our care, and animal welfare remains our top priority. To continue providing the level of care our animals deserve, we need your help.

We are currently in urgent need of Kennel Care Specialists to assist with morning cleaning and animal care duties before the shelter opens to the public. A clean environment is essential to the health and well-being of the animals in our care, and our staff and volunteers work hard every day to make that happen.

We are also looking for volunteers interested in helping with administrative duties, including filing, data entry, and other office tasks that help keep shelter operations running smoothly.

Many people don't realize that shelter work begins long before our doors open to the public. Our staff is here 365 days a year caring for animals.

Staff Hours:
🐾 Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
🐾 Saturday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
🐾 Sundays & Holidays: Morning animal care shifts

Public Hours:
🐾 Monday–Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
🐾 Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
🐾 Sundays & Holidays: Closed

Whether you can help with cleaning, animal care, office work, or a little bit of everything, we'd love to have you join our team.

Interested in volunteering?
📋 Request an application using the link below:
https://form.jotform.com/221444159166153

Or stop by the shelter during public hours to learn more about our volunteer opportunities.

📍 Stafford County Animal Shelter
26 Frosty Lane
Stafford, VA 22554
☎️ 540-658-7387

The animals can't thank you themselves, but we can. Every volunteer makes a difference. ❤️🐾

06/09/2026

🐾 Pup-Date: Ben 🐾

At the end of May, Ben, a 9-year-old Cane Corso weighing in at 112 pounds, found his new family. ❤️

We received this wonderful update from his adopters:

"Ben is adjusting nicely since he came home with us and he 'tolerates' our English Bulldog and vice versa. That is a start. We have had mastiffs make our lives better, and Ben is happy and loving! Our bulldog is showing him the ropes. It is sweet to see her sitting next to him as though she was guiding him, one senior to another. They are also photogenic as though they were taking pics for an album cover."

We absolutely love hearing updates like this and are thrilled that Ben is settling into his new home so well.

Let's talk about something we see every day in animal sheltering. Large dogs are often harder to place than their smaller counterparts, and senior dogs can face even more challenges. Today's economy, rising veterinary costs, housing restrictions, breed restrictions, and additional pet fees can all influence adoption decisions. When you combine that with a dog's age and size, many wonderful pets can end up waiting longer than they should.

The reality is that some adopters hesitate when considering a senior pet because they know their time together may be shorter. We understand that concern. Loving a senior pet can mean opening your heart knowing that goodbye may come sooner than you'd like.

But senior pets have so much to offer.

They often come with established personalities, lower energy levels, and a deep appreciation for comfort, companionship, and routine. Many are simply looking for a soft bed, a loving family, and a place to call home.

At Stafford County Animal Shelter, we will never stop advocating for our adoptable pets. Whether they are 2 months old or 20+ years old, every animal that walks through our doors matters. They are all near and dear to our hearts, and they all mean the same to the staff who care for them every day.

We are so happy to see Ben thriving with his new family and making himself right at home. ❤️

If you've been thinking about adopting, come visit us. Your own "Ben" may be waiting right now.

📍 Stafford County Animal Shelter
26 Frosty Lane
Stafford, VA 22554

🕚 Walk-In Adoption Hours
Monday–Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday & Holidays: Closed

We can't wait for you to find your Ben and send us your own Happy Tail! 🐾❤️

06/07/2026

Propane
Age: 8, going on 9-months
Pit Bull Terrier mix
Unneutered male - adopters must currently reside in Stafford, King George, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Fauquier, Culpeper, Caroline, or the City of Fredericksburg
Dogs: MUST have another dog in his home
Cats: Unknown
Kids: Unknown history with kids, arrived as a stray

Propane is a handsome guy with so much potential packed in a short little frame. This approximately 8-9 month old pup arrived as a terrified stray and even in the time he has been with us, he has already made strides despite the stress of a shelter environment.

The key to this guy’s success long-term is other dogs. Propane absolutely thrives with another dog around and must have another, confident dog to teach him the ropes of being a beloved family member and also how to be comfortable in his own skin. He’s made best friends with practically everyone he’s met (among his favorites are adoptables Rose, Emma, Cha-Cha, to name a few) and being such a young guy still means he’s got many more years of friend-making left to go!

Propane will likely be a great dog with kids of all ages but at this time he may do best with older kids who can understand the need to give him space and time to decompress. He has never snapped nor shown irritation but we are looking at what will give him the best chance at success in a new home. We do not know how he would do with kitties but as he is still a puppy (and still learning social skills) there is definitely room to work with!

Propane is one of those “hidden gems” you see us mention all the time. He may not “connect” with you right away, but give him the chance he needs and you will be rewarded with a happy, fun-loving dog we have seen more and more glimpses of in the 23 days he’s been with us.

Please visit the shelter and bring your resident pups for a meet-and-greet. His adoption fee is $45 and adoptions are first-come, first-served. We are located at 26 Frosty Lane, Stafford, VA 22554 and ask that potential adopters also bring picture ID/something with your current address on it at time of adoption.

06/07/2026

Dakota
Age: 6yrs old
Spayed female - no restrictions on adoption
Dogs: Comes on very strong, further testing pending
Cats: Likely best in a home without small animals (this is based on what we have observed of her this far, though we have no history of her with other animals and always advise slow introductions between any new pets)
Kids: Unknown

Dakota arrived as a microchipped stray and unfortunately, efforts to reunite her with a family were unsuccessful. This gorgeous gal is a highly-driven dog who LOVES to run and would like a home with a securely-fenced back yard, lots of room to stretch her legs, and relax in the sun.

We are still getting to know her and so will update this post as much as possible when we know more. She is spayed and UTD on her rabies vaccination, so there are NO restrictions on adoption. Her adoption fee is $45 and adoptions are first-come, first-served.

Dakota asks any potentially interested adopters to please come to the shelter (which is located at 26 Frosty Lane, Stafford, VA 22554) to meet her. She would also like anyone interested in meeting her to please bring any resident dogs and picture ID with current address on it.

06/07/2026

CANELO NEEDS A HOME!

Canelo is a 3.5-year old bundle of fun and one of nearly 40 dogs currently being cared for at Stafford County Animal Shelter. He originally arrived as a stray, but his previous family later made the decision to surrender him as they felt they were unable to give him the time and attention he needed.

Canelo is an exceptionally intelligent dog. He learns quickly and needs regular mental and physical activity to stay happy and balanced. While puzzle feeders and frozen Kongs help keep him occupied, shelter life can be challenging for a dog like him. Recently, we have noticed some frustration-related behaviors around his food bowl that were not present before. We believe much of this stems from having more energy than he is able to use in a shelter environment.

Our staff and volunteer dog walkers work hard to make sure every dog gets time outside their kennel, but with nearly 40 dogs in our care and daily responsibilities that include helping visitors and caring for all the animals, the amount of exercise and enrichment each dog receives can vary from day to day.

Canelo will need a home with a securely fenced yard (6 feet or taller) and an active family or individual who can provide regular exercise, training, and mental stimulation. He is not a dog who enjoys being confined for long periods.

According to his previous family, Canelo can sometimes be a little too enthusiastic when interacting with other dogs. He has never been around cats and do not know how he would do. Like many dogs who missed out on important social experiences when they were young, Canelo is still learning how to interact appropriately with other animals. He will need patient owners who can help guide him and continue building his confidence and social skills.

The good news is that Canelo is eager to learn. His intelligence makes him an excellent candidate for obedience training, and training can be a wonderful way for him and his new family to build a strong bond. He has not been around children, so we do not know how he would respond to living with them.

Canelo is a special dog who simply needs the right home: one that understands his energy level, appreciates his intelligence, and is willing to invest time in helping him succeed. For the right person or family, he has the potential to be an incredibly rewarding companion.

If you are interested in adopting Canelo, please visit the shelter and bring any resident dogs for a meet-and-greet.

Key Information

* The shelter is located at 26 Frosty Lane, Stafford, VA 22554
* Adoption hours: Monday–Friday, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
* Canelo’s adoption fee is $45
* Adoptions are first-come, first-served
* Please bring a photo ID and proof of address when adopting

06/06/2026

Khaleesi
Age: 1.5 yrs old
Spayed female
Breed (DNA tested): 36.3% GSD, 29.6% American Bully, 20.9%, 8.5% American Bulldog, 4.7% Bulldog

Khaleesi came to us in late October 2025 as a heavily-pregnant surrender. She and her seven female puppies spent time in an amazing foster home before coming back to the shelter. She began to deteriorate quickly and was adopted, and has recently returned to our care which was a very difficult decision for her family to do, as they cared for her deeply and did everything that they could to give her the best chance at success in the home.

Our goal now is to find Khaleesi a home that will take into account the following:

- Khaleesi cannot go to a home with other animals (including cats, small companion animals, livestock) and would do best with dogs her size or larger (her family had multiple dogs and emphasized that slow introductions and time to acclimate are essential to set her up for success.

- Khaleesi is still very much a baby herself as being a mom at just under a year old did not give her much of a chance to enjoy the wider world and learn how great it is. She is loyal to a tee and once you are her person she is absolutely devoted to you. She was fostered with young children and had no issues though her adopter believes older children may be best.

- Khaleesi can be possessive of her toys and her family had been working on this up until she returned to us.

Khaleesi is an AMAZING girl whose young life has been filled with many changes. She deserves her forever and we know that there are dog-savvy adopters out there who can give her what she needs to succeed.

The shelter is open Monday-Friday from 11-5 for adoptions and adoption fees are $45 for dogs. Picture ID/proof of address are required at time of adoption. We are located at 26 Frosty Lane, Stafford, VA 22554

06/06/2026

IN NEED OF A RESCUE OR ADOPTER: GLORIA

*Please Read*

At just 9-months old, Dutch Shepherd mix Gloria is still very much a puppy…something that seems to get forgotten when a young dog happens to be smart, athletic, and growing into her big-girl body.

In her short life, Gloria has already experienced more instability than most dogs should ever have to endure. She's been let down three times, yet somehow she still wakes up every day ready to trust, learn, and try again.

Recently, one of our volunteer trainers worked with Gloria and specifically introduced her to a large adult male she had never met before. Gloria approached cautiously at first, as many young dogs would, but with calm guidance and patience, she quickly adjusted, became curious, and showed that she was perfectly capable of making good decisions when given the opportunity to think instead of react.

The same story repeats itself with other dogs. Gloria absolutely loves having dog friends. She has successfully met numerous dogs of different sizes and personalities, showing appropriate social skills, good communication, and a willingness to learn.

What Gloria is looking for isn't someone who expects a finished product. She's looking for someone who understands that puppies need direction. Someone who realizes confidence is taught. Someone who appreciates that trust is built.

Those of who have raised children, mentored younger people, or spent a lifetime learning that growth takes patience may recognize something special in Gloria. She isn't asking for perfection from her people. She's asking for consistency, leadership, and someone willing to see who she can become instead of judging her for where she is today.

Gloria knows some basic cues, focuses well when asked, and has the intelligence and desire to learn. What she needs now is someone willing to invest a little time instead of expecting instant results.

The truth is that Gloria isn't the problem. She's a young dog who has repeatedly had the rug pulled out from under her. Despite that, she still shows up every day hoping someone will finally see her for who she really is.

Maybe that someone is you.

————

Other info:

- Her adoption fee is $45
- Adoptions conclude at 3:30 today and the shelter is located at 26 Frosty Lane, Stafford, VA 22554
- Other dogs should come for a meet-and-greet

06/04/2026

UPDATE: ADOPTED

🐾 BIGGIE SMALLS IS IN THE HOUSE! 🐾

I'm Biggie, a 2-year-old French Bulldog mix with a handsome black-and-white coat and a larger-than-life personality! I may be knee-high, but at around 60 pounds, I'm bringing plenty of Biggie energy wherever I go. 😎

✅ Neutered and up to date on my rabies vaccine

🏠 Crate-trained and comfortable spending time in my kennel

🐶 Previously lived with a Toy Poodle and did well

👨‍👩‍👧 Lived with children, but due to my size and enthusiasm, a home with older children is recommended

I bond closely with my people and love being part of the family. Once you're in my circle, you have a loyal life companion.

My previous family loved me very much, and surrendering me was an incredibly difficult decision. While I'm sad to be starting over, I'm excited to find a new family to love and call my own.

When I arrived at the shelter, I happily accepted treats, posed for photos, and showed everyone what a good boy I am. 📸🐾

I'm looking for a family that can provide structure, consistency, and lots of love while I settle into my new home. In return, I'll provide companionship, laughs, and plenty of affection.

💲 Adoption Fee: $45

📍 Stafford County Animal Shelter
26 Frosty Lane
Stafford, VA 22554
540-658-7387

🕚 Adoption Hours:
Monday–Friday: 11:00 AM–5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM–4:00 PM
Sunday & Holidays: Closed

If you're looking for a loyal best friend with a big heart, a goofy personality, and plenty of love to give, come meet Biggie Smalls! ❤️🐾

Walk-in adoptions are welcome. Come see if we're the perfect match! 🐶💕

06/04/2026

We are happy to announce Deputy Lillian Gutshall has graduated from Law Enforcement Basic at the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy. This is the first step in her journey to be our newest Animal Control Officer. Deputy Gutshall starts next week with Field Training with the Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division. Once she completes that she will attend an Animal Control Basic to finish off a process that takes nearly a year to complete. Please help us congratulate her on a job well done and some encouragement on her continued training.