Animal Shelter Policy

Reporting Stray Animals

To report stray animals, please call Animal Control on weekdays between 8 am and 4 pm.

Adopting a Pet

All animals available for adoption are released on a first come, first serve basis. Animals will not be reserved for anyone. Wise County reserves the right to refuse the adoption or release of any animal that is considered to be a danger to the public or a public nuisance. No out-of-state adoptions are permitted. All stray animals are held at the shelter for 5 days, 10 days if wearing a collar, before being offered for adoption or being euthanized.

All adopted animals are required to be spayed or neutered by VA Code Section 3.1-796.126:3 at the adopters expense. Also, VA Code Section 3.1-796.97:1 requires all owners of a domesticated dog or cat to have the animal vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian when the animal reaches the age of 4 months.

County Dog License

County ordinance requires all dogs kept in Wise County to have a County Dog license. County Dog licenses can be purchased at the Wise County Treasurer's office in the County Courthouse. The price of licenses are as follows:

• 1 year: $5
• 3 year: $12
• Kennel Tags of 20 dogs: $25, plus $0.50 for each dog in excess of 20

To purchase a dog license you must show proof of current rabies vaccination.