Adopting a Pet

Virginia law says that we have to keep a for 5 days if it does not have collar or 10 days days if it has a collar so that the owner can claim it before we can put the up for adoption. If you are interested in a particular before its available date please contact us. We would like a to go to a new home or rescue as soon as possible after its 'available' date.

For animals that have not been spayed or neutered: adoptions are open to residents of Tazewell, Buchanan, Russell, Bland and Smyth County. If an animal is already spayed or neutered then it is available to be adopted by anyone (even out of state residents). Phone to check that the pet is available and what paperwork is required from you.

If you are interested in adopting an animal please remember we operate on a first come, first served, basis to adopters which means WE DO NOT HOLD ANIMALS while you make up your mind or go on vacation.

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.

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.

Adoption Fees
Adoption fees: Dog adoption fee is $65 and for a cat is $65. Fee includes a voucher for spay/neuter and rabies. We accept all forms of payment.

• Residents of Tazewell, Buchanan, Russell, Bland and Smyth County may adopt pets from Tazewell County Animal Shelter with proper the identification required.
• 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.
• If you rent, your landlord must approve that you can keep a dog of that mix and size.
• We do not adopt unaltered dogs to homes with other unaltered dogs of the opposite sex.
• If you have other dogs or children, please bring them to meet the dog that you are interested in so that we can make sure everyone gets along.
• Please discuss adoption with all members of the home, bring them if able.
• Each pet is required to be vaccinated for rabies within seven days of adoption, if it is four months of age or older. Rabies vaccination is required for each pet, upon turning four months of age.
• Every new owner of a pet adopted from Tazewell County Animal Shelter shall have the pet sterilized within thirty days of the pet turning six months of age, or within thirty days if the pet is over six months of age.
• Out of state adoptions must be spayed or neutered before leaving Virginia.
• Return of the proper paperwork (sterilization and rabies certificates) is required within seven days of sterilization.
• State law requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated for rabies.

Tazewell County Animal Shelter
736 Camp Joy Road,
Bluefield,
VA, 24605

Phone: 276-988-5795
E-mail: tazewellcountyanimalshelter@gmail.com

Opening Hours:
Monday-Friday: 12pm-5pm
Closed Saturday, Sunday and Holidays
You may be able to make an appointment to meet a particular dog 8am-11am Saturday and Sunday

Visiting Tazewell County Animal Shelter
Please phone us on 276-988-5795 to check that the dog you want to visit is still available.
Location Map of Bluefield, VA