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Wise County Animal Shelter
4701 Blackwood Industrial Park Road,
Norton,
VA, 24273

Phone: 276-679-6750
E-mail: animal_control@wisecounty.org

Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday 10am - 3:30pm
Closed Saturday, Sunday and Holidays

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

Lost and Found Pets are featured on our Facebook Page

Volunteers Wanted
We are trying to build our volunteer program. The shelter dogs can always use volunteers to bath, to walk and to communicate with them. If you are interested in helping the animals, please contact us.

Who we are
Wise County Animal Shelter is a small rural facility in the southwest of Virginia. While we are not yet a no-kill facility, this is a goal we strive to achieve each and every day. All animals available for adoption are released on a first come, first served 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, all owners of a dog or cat are required to have the animal vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian when the animal reaches the age of 4 months. County ordinance requires all dogs kept in Wise County to have a County Dog license. For more information see the Wise County Animal Control website.

Lost your dog?
Stray dogs without identication are kept for 5 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 Wise County Animal Shelter Facebook Page but not all are put here so contact the shelter if you have lost your dog.

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. See our Donation Page for other items we can use. You can also donate to our Spay/Neuter Fund. For more information about how you can donate, see 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.

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.

Adequate Shelter Virgina Code 3.2-6500
Click here for more information

Visiting Wise County Animal Shelter
Please phone us on 276-679-6750 to check that the dog you want to visit is still available.
Location Map of Norton, VA



This website is operated and maintained by The Dog Rescues Network as a service to the community. We have no connection with Wise County Animal Shelter. No payment has been received or is required. For enquiries about this website e-mail: webmaster@dogrescues.net