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Russell County Animal Shelter
458 Haber Dr,
Lebanon,
VA, 24266

Phone: (276) 415-9163

Opening Hours:
Monday-Tuesday: 10am-4pm,
Wednesday: 10am-3pm,
Thursday-Friday: 10am-4pm.
Hours may change on Wednesdays while dogs are being transferred.
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

Who we are
Russell County Animal Shelter is a small rural facility in the southwest of Virginia. We have 24 dog runs and the intake area covers 477 square miles in Russell County. The total number of dogs at the shelter varies, but is typically completely full. Thanks to our rescue partners and adopters, Russell County Animal Shelter does not normally euthanize dogs to make space for incoming strays. 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. For more information see the Russell 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 Russell County Animal Shelter Facebook Page but not all are put here so contact the shelter if you have lost your dog.

Adopting a dog?
Russell County Animal Shelter will keep a dog for 7-10 days 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.

  • 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.
  • Click here to see more information about adoption.
  • Rabies vaccination and licensing must be completed within 7 days of adoption.
  • State law requires that adopted dogs be sterilized within 30 days of adoption.
  • Out of state adoptions must be spayed or neutered before leaving Virginia.
  • State law requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated for rabies.
All dogs kept in Russell County must have a license. Dog licenses can be obtained at the Russell County Treasurer's Office or by mail to the Treasurer's Office, 137 Highland Dr, Suite B, Lebanon, VA 24266. You must have proof of rabies vaccination to purchase a dog license.

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.

If you have any questions about adopting a dog, please call the shelter and speak with a member of our shelter staff who has daily interaction with our dogs. You can reach us at (276) 415-9163. If it is after hours, please leave us a voicemail. If it is after hours, please leave us a voicemail. Our hours are , Hours may change on Wednesdays while dogs are being transferred..

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 Wanted
We are always looking for volunteers to help with the dogs at the shelter.

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. We also have an Amazon Wishlist. See our Donation Page for other items we can use. 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

Keep your dog in the family


Visiting Russell County Animal Shelter
Please phone us on (276) 415-9163 to check that the dog you want to visit is still available.
Location Map of Lebanon, VA



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