Dogtopia, a one-stop shop for all things canine, will soon be opening a  location in Gainesville, VA. Dogtopia offers full or half-day dog day care, seven days a week. For dirty dogs, spa services will be included with boarding. The state-of-the-art facility is set to open soon although a date has not been listed. Company representatives have not returned requests for comment.

For those nervous about leaving their beloved dog alone, Dogtopia offers webcam access in each of their four playrooms so you can check in with your pet. Dogtopia’s indoor playrooms are fully climate-controlled, and the rubber flooring is designed for the dogs’ comfort and to ease stress on paws, joints, legs and hips. 

Dogtopia has nearby locations already open in Woodbridge, Springfield and Manasssas. 

Did you know your pet could start a fire in your home? 

The Prince William County Police Department today, on National Pet Fire Safety Day, offers some tips on how to prevent your pet from burning down your home. 

From Prince William police: 

Prevent your pet from starting fires

— Extinguish open flames – Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an ope flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.

— Remove stove knobs – Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a stove or cook top is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.

— Invest in flameless candles – These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.

— Beware of water bowls on wooden decks – Do not leave a glass water bowl for your pet outsideon a wooden deck. The sun’s rays when filtered through the glass and water can actually heat up and ignite the wooden deck beneath it. Choose stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead.

Keep your pets safe

— Keep Pets Near Entrances When Away From Home – Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case first responders need to rescue your pet. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.Secure Young Pets – Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential

— Secure Young Pets – Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.

— Since Pets Left Alone Can’t Escape a Burning Home – Consider using monitored smoke detectors which are connected to a monitoring center so emergency responders can be contacted when you’re not home. These systems provide an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms.

— Affix a Pet Alert Window Decal – Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the decal to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets.

— Make sure to update the number of pets listed.

For Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department, saving lives is just in a day’s work.  Sometimes those lives aren’t even human.  

While the engine crew from station 14 was retrieving dinner, they spotted a beautiful husky who was without his family.  “We saw him walking around the parking lot and we just walked up to him and he came right to us. He was very well behaved and friendly, so we knew he had a family,” said Firefighter Chris Weber.  Although wearing a collar and tag, the veterinarian listed was out of business. “We took him to Old Bridge Animal Hospital but he did not have a chip.” 

Animal control had been contacted, but Firefighter Weber put out a post to other department members in the hopes that the owner might be found.  Another member recognized the dog, whose family had posted his disappearance on Facebook.  Within the hour, dog and owners had been reunited.  “Kai” who is four years old had run off through an open gate in the back yard.

He had been gone for two hours and the family was thrilled to find him so quickly.  “Sometimes your best chance of finding help for a missing pet can be in your pocket on your smartphone,” said Valencia Lee, Kai’s owner.  To the OWL firefighters, Lee expressed gratitude. “Thank you for finding him and bringing him home! I don’t know what we would’ve done if no one had found him!”

Remember to chip and have current tags for your dog. If you find a lost pet, call Animal Control services at the Police non-emergency number at 703-792-6500.

Stafford County will build a new animal shelter.

The county has outgrown its current shelter next to the Rappahannock Regional Landfill on Eskimo Hill Road. It was built in 1991.

The new $5 million shelter will be built on county-owned land next to the Rappahannock Regional Jail, on Wyche Road just off Route 1.

The new shelter will include more holding space for animals, larger display rooms for animals up for adoptions, and isolation rooms for sick animals. The new shelter will also feature a dispatch communications room, and more room for shelter staff, according to county documents. Read More

-Information provided by the Stafford SPCA. Contact them for more information on any of the animals shown above. 

-Information provided by the Stafford SPCA. Contact them for more information on any of the animals shown above. 

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Billie Jane is a 2-year-old female Heeler mix that is spayed, UTD on vaccines, and micro chipped. She will pull at your heartstrings with her playful nature and youthful energy! Billie Jane can live happily with other dogs (with proper introduction) and children older than 5 years.

Ledo is a 4-year-old male DSH cat with an adorable lopsided mustache, and a unique black and white pattern. He is neutered, UTD on all vaccines,  and simply LOVES being around people. If you are looking for a feline with a friendly and outgoing  personality then look no farther – you’ve found your new BFF. 

Found dog. Intact male lab mix. About 1 year old. Very friendly. Found at the apartments behind Garrisionville Walmart. Please contact(540) 693-2843 if you have any information.

-Information provided by the Stafford SPCA. Contact them for more information on any of the animals shown above.