Tazewell County Animal Shelter
736 Camp Joy Road,
Bluefield,
VA 24605
Click here for directions

Phone: 276-988-5795
E-mail: tazewellcountyanimalshelter@gmail.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/tazewellcountyanimalshelter

Normal Opening Hours:
Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday: 12pm-5pm
Closed Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays
If you have lost your dog or you are interested in adopting a particular dog please phone 276-988-5795 between 8am and 11:30am as we may be able to help you even on days when we are officially closed to the public.

Need to report a stray animal? Please call Animal Control at 276-988-1160

Tazewell County Animal Shelter is a small rural facility in the southwest of Virginia. While Tazewell County Animal Shelter is not yet a no-kill facility, this is a goal we strive to achieve each and every day. 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.

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

Lost your dog or cat?
Dogs picked up as strays are kept for 7 days if it does not have collar or 12 days if it has a collar so that the owner can claim it before we can put the dog up for adoption. Contact the shelter to check whether your pet is there. Some of the stray dogs and cats are featured on our Facebook Page but not all are put here so contact the shelter if you have lost your pet.

Adopting a dog?
Dogs picked up as strays are kept for 7 days if it does not have collar or 12 days if it has a collar 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.

Adoption fee for a dog is $65 which includes spay/neuter and rabies vaccination. Payment is by cash - we cannot accept card payments at this time. 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 dog is available and what paperwork is required (valid ID) from you.

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.

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

Fostering a dog or cat
We have many animals at the shelter that are available to be fostered (given a temporary home until we find it a permanent home). If you would like more information on fostering or would like to apply to be a foster mom or dad please contact us.

Volunteer drivers needed to transport dogs
The Tazewell County Animal Shelter is always seeking volunteer drivers to help with our weekly transports. These transports are a vital to help ensure that we do not have to euthanize animals at the shelter to make space for new strays. We supply the van, the fuel, the dogs and even the occasional cat. We need dependable Virginia licensed drivers to get them where they need to go - typically Stanton, VA or sometimes Wytheville to meet other transports going to rescues. We have set transport days each week. For more information come by the shelter to pick up an application.

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 Tazewell County Animal Shelter
Please phone us on 276-988-5795 to check that the dog or cat you want to visit is still available. We are open Monday-Friday: 12pm-5pm, CLOSED Saturday, Sunday and Holidays
Location Map of Bluefield, VA.

Cats Needing Homes
Please take the time to check out all the nice young kittens and cats kittens and cats here. Please contact us for more information about the cats available for adoption.