Adopting a Pet
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.

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 fee for dogs and cats is $65 which includes spay/neuter and rabies vaccination. Payment is by cash or check - we cannot accept card payments at this time.

• Residents of Tazewell County and adjacent counties (Buchanan, Russell, Bland and Smyth County) may adopt pets from Tazewell County Animal Shelter with proper 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.
• 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

Normal Opening Hours:
Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday: 12pm-5pm
Closed Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays

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.
Location Map of North Tazewell, VA.