The Prince William County Animal Shelter has introduced a new van equipped with 10 adjustable kennels, enhancing the efficiency and comfort for animal control operations. This addition is a significant upgrade from the existing four-by-four vehicles that house fewer vehicles and lack modern amenities.
Debbie Haight, spokesperson for the county animal shelter, detailed the van’s layout and its capacity to adapt to various sizes of animals. “It has 10 containers, and these units can be modified to accommodate larger animals if necessary,” Haight explained. Unlike the current units that require animals to be brought back immediately due to inadequate facilities, the new van features a sophisticated HVAC system, allowing officers to manage multiple pickups without returning.
The van, operated by the shelter’s animal control officers, represents an upgrade over the older trucks. “The current trucks have a capability of just four units and are often congested with equipment,” Haight said. In contrast, the new van dedicates more space to animal containers, providing a less cramped environment.
Haight highlighted the types of calls the van would respond to, including scenarios with multiple animals. “This van is assigned to one of the supervisors, and it will be dispatched for calls involving multiple animals,” she noted, emphasizing its role in improving response times across the county’s more than 300 square miles.
The shelter picks up many animals, from common pets like cats and dogs to more exotic ones like peacocks and potbelly pigs. “We’ve even picked up strays like cows and have facilities for larger animals,” Haight shared.
Amid rising pet surrenders, Haight also addressed the shelter’s current capacity challenges, explaining that they are nearing full capacity and now require appointments for animal surrenders. “It’s a combination of factors, including economic pressures and lifestyle changes post-COVID,” she observed, indicating a broader trend affecting shelters throughout the region.
This van is the first of its kind, with plans to introduce a second similarly equipped van soon. Additionally, the shelter will continue to update its fleet with more trucks suited for diverse terrain and needs. The shelter, which moved to a new 28,000 square foot facility in November 2021, is also expanding its capacity to better accommodate large animals and improve its service offerings in the community.
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Prince William County Police Daily Incident Report: Animal Cruelty Investigation – On April 21 at 4:27 PM, officers responded to the area of Oakwood Dr. and Armada Pl. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate an animal cruelty. The investigation revealed at approximately 4:00 PM, an unknown woman left a dog next to a guardrail in the above area before leaving in a black
Nissan. A short time later, a Good Samaritan located the dog suffering from a broken leg and contacted the police. The dog, described as a 1–2-year-old brown chihuahua mix, was transported to the Animal Services Center for medical treatment. Animal Control Officers are seeking assistance from the public to identify the dog and obtain information leading up to the dog’s abandonment.
In an exclusive follow-up to a story brought to you last month, new information has emerged regarding the case of a dog injured after being struck with a projectile.
According to Prince William police spokeswoman Renee Carr, after consultation with Animal Services, it has been determined that the dog is recuperating well and does not require extensive treatment, as once thought.
Reports from the county’s Animal Services indicate that the dog, whose name remains unknown, is continuing to progress in its recovery. Currently, efforts are underway to evaluate options for placing the dog with a suitable rescue organization or for adoption. Despite diligent efforts, neither the owner nor the dog’s identity has been established.
The incident unfolded on Saturday, January 13, at 8:30 a.m., when officers responded to a distress call in the 1500 block of Cherry Hill Road in Dumfries.
A concerned resident had discovered the dog, an American Bully estimated to be between one to three years old, with injuries consistent with being struck by a projectile. Prompt action was taken, and the injured animal was taken to a veterinarian for urgent medical attention.
While the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, the focus now shifts to ensuring the continued well-being of the dog and finding a suitable placement where it can receive the care and attention it deserves.
Prince William County Animal Shelter: “We are is currently experiencing an increase in Canine Upper Respiratory Infections. The health and well-being of the animals in our care is our top priority, and therefore, we are temporarily limiting dog intakes. Your patience and understanding is appreciated.”
Prince William County Animal Service Center: “Meet Roxie (ID 37698/784) A 6-year-old female Pitbull mix. The owner surrendered to the shelter when they were no longer able to care for me. New situations and people can be terrifying to me, so I may take some time before she’s comfortable meeting you.”
“Meet Lola (ID 36888/25) A 5-year-old lady is a social butterfly who loves to meet new people. For her, a perfect day would include running around, playing in the yard, and then taking a nice cozy nap beside you. Her previous owner said that she is not a great fit for families with small children due to her energy level. Lola also has chronic kidney disease and is on a veterinary prescription diet to help support her kidney health.”
We accept write-ups and photos of animals for adoption across the region. Please send them to [email protected].
This week’s Take Me-Home-Tuesday comes from Prince William County Animal Service Center at 14807 Bristow Road, near Manassas.
Papi- 4 year old Male Labrador Mix
Storm- 3 year old Female Black Mouth Cur
Both are best friends and fun loving dogs, also good with other dogs and children.
If you want to apply or learn about either animal, go to the Prince William County Animal Shelter page at the top of this post. You can also call 703-792-6465, or email [email protected]
We accept write-ups and photos of animals for adoption across the region. Please send them to [email protected].
Today's Take Me-Home-Tuesday pets post comes from the Prince William County Animal Shelter.
Ice - #5050, Male dog, 7 - 10 years old, house trained, loves walks "move-in" condition. Ice is the typical couch potato. He's also calm with other dogs.
Ivy - #37124, Female cat, 9 years-old, Domestic Black and White short hair, Spayed. If you want to apply or learn about either, go to the Prince William County Animal Shelter page at the top of this post. You can also call 703-792-6465, or email [email protected] We accept write-ups and photos of animals for adoption across the region. Please send the em to [email protected].This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
On December 18, the children of the Linden family let out Samus, an 11 year-old, female German Shepherd, and forgot to put on the electric fence collar. The family noticed she had gone missing and assumed she would return home.
That night, a bystander found Samus and shortly she was brought over to the Prince William County Animal Shelter. The shelter staff kept Samus overnight, and in the morning called the family after scanning for a microchip. On the afternoon of December 19, she was picked up and brought home.
