Giles County Animal Shelter
678 Green Hollow Rd,
Pearisburg,
VA, 24134

Phone: 540-921-2053
E-mail: gilesanimalshelter@gmail.com

Opening Hours (for visitation and adoptions):
Monday - Saturday 12pm-4pm by appointment only,
Closed Sunday and Holidays,
We are 7 miles from Pearisburg. Please call the shelter at 540-921-2053 to verify that someone will be at the shelter.

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

Fostering Saves Lives! Every time a shelter animal is able to go into a foster home, space is created for another animal in need. You will be providing invaluable insight into how the animal does in the home making it easier to find the pet a new home, E.g. how they do with children, other dogs, and cats. You will get to see the animal in their true form. Pets behave differently in a kennel enviroment - fostering a pet can teach them how to live in a home. From basic house manners like not going to the bathroom inside the home to other basic commands, you will also learn more about the pet, like their personality and quirks. Click here for the Foster Application form (PDF) If you are able to edit the file, fill in the blanks and save the document, otherwise print it and use a pen. E-mail the file to: gilesanimalshelter@gmail.com or post it to us. We will provide all the supplies needed for your foster. We look forward to building our Foster Program and working with our community.

Volunteer Opportunities at the Shelter
Now that many of the COVID restrictions have been relaxed or lifted, the shelter is once again able to take volunteers. Giles County has is a small shelter with only one employee so volunteers are greatly appreciated. Volunteers need to be 18 years old (or 16 with a parent consent form), have their own transportation to the shelter, and complete a Volunteer application. Duties include daily care, walking, and one-on-one time with the pets. The Volunteer application can be found at the end of the Guidelines and Information for Volunteers Supporting Animal Shelter Operations and Special Projects (PDF file) or you can ask for an application at the Giles County Admin office located at 315 N. Main St in Pearisburg, VA. Thanks for your consideration

Lost your dog or cat?
Stray dogs and cats are kept for 5 days before being put up for adoption. Contact the shelter to check whether your pet is there.

Adopting a dog?
Animals in custody of Giles County are eligible for adoption unless the Animal Control Officer (ACO) feels that the animal would impose a danger to the new owner or other residents. Animals may be adopted directly from Giles County Animal Shelter. All animals adopted from the Giles County Animal Shelter are required to be spayed or neutered unless they meet a special breed provision. The current adoption fee for a neutered/spayed animal is $20. State law requires that anyone adopting a shelter animal must have it spayed/neutered. If the animal is not spayed/neutered, you have to pay for a neuter certificate, which pays for neutering, the first vaccinations, rabies vaccine and a micro-chip. Please phone 540-921-2053 for information about adopting from the Giles County Animal Shelter.

We will not ‘hold’ or ‘reserve’ a dog by phone or e-mail or Facebook message. 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
Click here to see a list of items we find useful

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.

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.

Visiting Giles County Animal Shelter
Please phone us on 540-921-2053 to check that the dog or cat you want to visit is still available and to verify that someone will be at the shelter.

We are 7 miles (20 minutes) from Pearisburg via VA-100. Click here for directions.

Location Map of Giles County Animal Shelter, Pearisburg, VA