Adoption Process

The Prince William County Animal Services Bureau adopts out a wide variety of animals, including dogs, cats, small domestic animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, etc.), reptiles (snakes, lizards, etc.), birds, livestock and poultry.  All adoptions are completed on a first-come, first-serve basis.  A contract is completed at the time of adoption and adoption fees are collected.  Sterilization of all dogs and cats adopted is required in Article 1, Section 3.2-6575 of the Code of Virginia.  All spay or neuter procedures are scheduled and completed by one of the Animal Services Bureau's contracted veterinarian hospitals.  The cost of the procedure is incurred by the adopter and the surgery performed prior to the dog or cat being taken home.  If there is a medical reason that the surgery cannot be performed immediately, the dog or cat may only be adopted by a resident of Prince William County or an adjoining jurisdiction (Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Stafford County, Fauquier County, Manassas City or Manassas Park).

DOG ADOPTIONS

Cost $45.00 (includes initial Distemper combo vaccination, intranasal Bordatella,  Rabies vaccination (if old enough), deworming, microchip, basic veterinary exam, and the adoption. 

ANCIRA

 

DAVIS FORD

MINNIEVILLE

**All adopters receive a certificate for a complimentary pet health exam to be used within 3 weeks of adoption at one of the listed local veterinarians.  This is for an introductory health examination and consultation at no charge and does not include vaccinations, deworming, or any other diagnostic testing or treatments.  It is recommended that all dogs or puppies have a fecal test performed and be tested for Heartworm disease as soon as possible after adoption, as well as receive any follow-up vaccinations.  Adopters must also be aware that routine veterinary care and preventatives average about $300-$1000 yearly for healthy dogs. 

CAT ADOPTIONS

Cost $45.00 (includes initial Distemper combo vaccination, Rabies vaccination (if old enough), deworming, microchip, basic veterinary exam and the adoption.

ANCIRA

 

DAVIS FORD

MINNIEVILLE

**All adopters receive a certificate for a complimentary pet health exam to be used within THREE (3) weeks of adoption at one of the listed local veterinarians.  This is for an introductory health examination and consultation at no charge and does not include vaccinations, deworming, or any other diagnostic testing or treatments.  It is recommended that all cats or kittens have a fecal test performed and be tested for FIV/FeLv as soon as possible after adoption, as well as receive any follow-up vaccinations.  Adopters must also be aware that routine veterinary care and preventatives average about $200-$700 yearly for healthy cats. 

OTHER ADOPTIONS

​ANIMALS

​COST

Small Domestic Animal (Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Rabbits) $0 - $20
Reptiles $0 - $50
Birds $5 - $100
Livestock  $10 - $100
Poultry $0 - $20

 

What's after the adoption

Now that you have found your new best friend, how do you make their adjustment to your home easy. We have a few helpful tips, tricks and topics that will ease you into a great relationship with your fur-buddy. 

 

About Cats

Congratulations on Your Cat Adoption!

Thank you for adopting from Prince William County Animal Services Center! Below, you will find an overview o the fundamentals of cat care. Remember, we are here as a resource both before and after adoption. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions along the way.

Food: Depending on the age of your cat, they have been eating either of these dry foods pictured below.

 

 

 

Formm Family - Kitten Gold or Adult Gold - 1/2 cup daily

 

Wet food is also recommended to help your cat stay hydrated and we offer it daily from a variety of brands. If you wish to change the brand of food that your cat eats, we recommend that you introduce it gradually by mixing the current food in with the new food. 

Water: Provide fresh water in a clean bowl daily. Your cat should always have access to the water. Some cats may prefer to drink flowing water from water fountains. 

Litter Box: Place an appropriately sized, uncovered litter box with approximately 1-2 inches of litter, in a quiet but accessible location. For kittens or senior cats, be sure the box has lower sides for easy access. We recommend that you scoop twice a day and do a full clean at least once a month using mild dish soap or a pet-friendly cleaner.

Scratching: Cats have a need to scratch, so be sure to provide plenty of cat-friendly scratching surfaces. Most cats enjoy both horizontal scratchers and vertical scratching posts. 

Microchip: All adopted cats leave with a microchip registered to SmartTag. To register your account, visit https://www.IDtag.com/user/register or call (201) 537-5644.

Take It Slow: Adopting a new family member is exciting, but there will likely be an adjustment period for both you and your new pet. Cats can be easily overwhelmed by new spaces so when you get home, set your cat up in a small quiet room with the essentials. Interact with the cat on their terms - let them approach you for petting or attention. When the cat is moving around this space confidently, you can begin to slowly introduce them to the rest of your home. Some cats will settle in within a few hours, but most will need a few days or more. 

Stay in touch: We would love to hear how your new pet has settled in their new home! If you would like to send an update on you newly adopted pet, please reach out to us at [email protected] 

For digital access to the complete Adoption Packet visit https://www.pwcva.gov/department/animal-services

 

 

About Dogs

Congratulations on Your dog Adoption!

Thank you for adopting from Prince William County Animal Services Center! Below, you will find a overview of the fundamentals of dog care. Remember, we are here as a resource both before and after adoption. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions along the way. 

Food: Unless otherwise specified, all dogs have been eating Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Dry Dog Food, which is a prescription-grade food that is designed to promote digestive health.

You may decide to feed your new dog any commercially available brand of dog food that is appropriate for their size and age. It is not uncommon to see some changes as their digestive system gets used to the new diet provided in your home. 

 

 

 

 

Water: Provide fresh water in a clean bowl daily. Your dog should always have access to the water.

Leash Safety: Always check that your dog's leash and collar/harness are secure before starting your walk. When fitting your pet for a collar, keep in mind that you should only be able to fit two fingers between the collar and the animal's neck. It is not recommended to allow your dog to be off leash unless they are in a fully enclosed space to avoid them running off or encountering another animals.

Licensing: Dog licenses can be purchased online at https://www.petdata.com/pwc

Microchip: All adopted dogs leave with a microchip registered to SmartTag. To complete registration of your account, visit https://www.IDtag.com/user/register  or call (201) 537-5644. You should also receive an email directly from SmartTag shortly after adoption. 

Veterinary Care: A complimentary vet exam with the providers listed is included with your Adoption Contract. Please schedule an appointment as soon as possible to go over any questions you have about vaccines, parasite prevention, and other veterinary care your new pet will need. 

Take It Slow: The 3/3/3 rule is a general guideline for the adjustment period of a dog post-adoption. It can take 3 days just to decompress, so give your dog plenty of space and time to acclimate to their new environment. By 3 weeks, your dog will have started to learn your routine. It's important to stay consistent and give them plenty of positive reinforcement for good behavior. After 3 months, your dog should finally be completely comfortable in their new home it is important to remember that every dog is unique, and some may take longer to adjust than others. Please be patient with your new friend.

Stay in touch: We would love to hear how your new pet has settled in their new home! If you would like to send an update on your newly adopted pet, please reach out to us at [email protected]

For digital access to the complete Adoption Packet, visit  https:// www.pwcva.gov/department/animal-services