Russell County Animal Shelter
458 Haber Dr,
Lebanon,
VA 24266

Phone: 276-415-9163
Russell County VA Animal Shelter Facebook page: www.facebook.com/russellcountyvaanimalshelter

VISITS TO THE SHELTER ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

As of Tuesday November 17, 2020 the Russell County Animal Shelter will be restricting public access. If you have to come to the shelter, you will need to call ahead and make an appointment. Only 1 person will be permitted in the shelter and masks are mandatory. Thank you for your understanding as we try to protect our staff so that we can continue to care for the animals at the shelter.
Russell County Animal Shelter staff

If you have a TRUE animal emergency contact the Russell County Sheriff's Department at 276-889-8033.

If you are interested in adopting a particular dog, appointments will be made for serious adopters only during the hours of 10am to 3pm Monday through Friday.

Russell County Animal Shelter is a small rural facility in the southwest of Virginia. We have 24 dog runs and the intake area covers 477 square miles in Russell County. The total number of dogs at the shelter varies, but is typically completely full. Thanks to our rescue partners and adopters, Russell County Animal Shelter does not normally euthanize dogs to make space for incoming strays. 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 Russell County Animal Control website and Fequently Asked Questions.

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

WARNING - KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE January and February is mating season for Coyotes and being related to dogs they may regard your dog as a mate or a rival or dinner! Do not let your dogs out alone and do not allow your outdoor cats to roam. Although Coyotes are prevalent in outlying and rural areas, they are also thriving in suburban and urban areas, and smaller towns as well. Coyote breeding typically peaks in late February and early March, the gestation period averages 58 to 63 days. Male Coyotes can become more aggressive during this time of year, the long and short of it all is that Coyotes always pose a risk to your dog (and other small pets). That risk increases during mating season. Spay/neuter your pets. Coyotes are attracted to and can mate with unspayed or unneutered domestic dogs. Unspayed female dogs in season can attract male Coyotes. Entire male dogs can be lured away by the scent of a female Coyote in her ovulation cycle. Additionally, male dogs can be lured by the female Coyotes scent and killed by male Coyotes. You should also be mindful that Coyotes are clever and learn the daily schedules of people and their pets. If you let your dog out every evening at 9 pm, chances are that a Coyote is well aware of your routine. He might be waiting in the shadows at 9 pm to attack your dog. So change your schedule a bit, walk your dog on leash close to you, and keep a close eye on them at all times. Click here for more information

Lost your dog?
Stray dogs without identication are kept for 7 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 Russell County VA Animal Shelter Facebook Page but not all are put here so contact the shelter if you have lost your dog. Russell County Animal Control does not take in cats.

Adopting a dog?
Russell County Animal Shelter will keep a dog for 7-10 days so that the owner can claim it before we can put the dog up for adoption. If you are interested in a particular dog before its available date please contact us. We would like a dog to go to a new home or rescue as soon as possible after its 'available' date.

• To adopt a dog you must be 18 years of age or older.
• You must provide a picture ID with a current address at the time of the adoption.
• The cost of adoption is $40 and you must spay/neuter the dog within 30 days of adoption or have an appointment to have it done.
• Rabies vaccination and licensing must be completed within 7 days of adoption.
• State law requires that adopted dogs be sterilized within 30 days of adoption.
• Out of state adoptions must be spayed or neutered before leaving Virginia.
• State law requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated for rabies.

All dogs kept in Russell County must have a license. Dog licenses can be obtained at the Russell County Treasurer's Office or by mail to the Treasurer's Office. You must have proof of rabies vaccination to purchase a dog license.

Make sure that you are able to take your dog home on the day you adopt it. We will not keep a dog for you after its 'available' day.

If you have any questions about adopting a dog, please call the shelter and speak with a member of our shelter staff who has daily interaction with our dogs. You can reach us at 276-415-9163. If it is after hours, please leave us a voicemail. Our hours are Monday-Tuesday 10am-4pm, Wednesday 10am-3pm, Thursday-Friday: 10am-4pm or you may send us a private message on our Facebook page.

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 or you may mail a donation to Russell County Animal Shelter, 458 Haber Dr, Lebanon, VA 24251. Click here to see more information on 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.

Volunteers Wanted
We are always looking for volunteers to help with the dogs at the shelter.

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.

Visiting Russell County Animal Shelter
Location Map of Lebanon, VA.