The Stafford County Animal Shelter is celebrating another heartwarming adoption story. Dax, a tri-colored Beagle, arrived at the shelter as a stray in September 2024. Despite his friendly demeanor and gentle nature, Dax spent 68 days waiting for someone to notice him. No one came forward to claim him, and potential adopters often passed him by.
Throughout his stay, shelter volunteers ensured Dax received plenty of care, exercise, and socialization. They took him on outdoor adventures and showered him with affection, but Dax’s longing for a forever home remained.
That changed when a family finally recognized Dax’s charm and decided to adopt him. His new owners report that Dax has fully embraced his new life, earning the title of “ultimate snuggle bug.” Whether it’s curling up on the couch or nestling under a pile of blankets, Dax has quickly become a cherished member of the family.
The Stafford County Animal Shelter is thrilled with Dax’s happy ending and hopes his story inspires others to consider adoption. “Seeing animals like Dax find loving homes is why we do what we do,” said shelter staff.
The shelter encourages anyone looking for a new pet to visit and meet their adoptable animals. They also invite previous adopters to share updates on their pets, highlighting the joy and companionship that adoption brings.
For more information, contact the Stafford County Animal Shelter:
Stafford County Animal Shelter
26 Frosty Lane, Stafford, VA 22554
Phone: 540.658.7387
Email: [email protected]
Hours of Operation:
- Monday-Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Closed on Sundays and holidays
Consider giving a pet like Dax a second chance—visit the Stafford County Animal Shelter and discover your new best friend.
Two lost dogs are currently waiting to reunite with their families at the Stafford County Animal Shelter. If you recognize these pets, please contact the shelter as soon as possible.
Gray and White Mixed Breed Dog
- Gender: Male, intact
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Found: January 14, 2025, on Carriage Hill Road, 22405
- Details: No collar, no microchip
Female Yorkie
- Weight: Approximately 6 pounds
- Found: January 13, 2025, on Little Oak Road, 22405
- Details: Wearing a sweater (put on by shelter staff), no collar, microchipped but not registered to the current owner
Proof of ownership, such as a photo ID, is required to claim these dogs.
Stafford County Animal Shelter
26 Frosty Lane
Stafford, VA 22554
- Phone: 540-658-7387
- Email: [email protected]
Hours for Walk-In Visits:
- Monday-Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Closed Sundays and holidays
Please share to help these dogs find their way back home.
A Stafford County driver discovered an unexpected stowaway, a kitten named "Kitty Purry," in the engine compartment of his Toyota RAV4 after stopping at a 7-Eleven on Solomon Road.
Deputy O.J. Martins and his team spent an hour and a half safely rescuing the frightened kitten, using tools like a lockout kit, snake hook, and snappy snare to dismantle parts of the engine. Kitty Purry was taken to the Animal Shelter and will be available for adoption soon.
Press release:
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On Saturday, Aug. 10, the Stafford County Animal Shelter will host its sixth annual "Clear the Shelter" adoption event. This summer, the shelter has been overwhelmed by the number of pets surrendered by owners for many reasons, including increasing costs of pet care.
The shelter is legally required to take in all animals brought to them. Stafford County Sheriff’s Capt. Joseph Bice, who oversees the shelter, said, "We’re getting dogs at a rate of three to one compared to the rate of adoption." He added, “We want to provide care and a place for them to stay, but the problem is space...In 2014, we took in around 330 dogs. Last year, we took in over a thousand, and this year we’re on track to take in 1,200 to 1,400.”
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The Stafford County Animal Shelter is experiencing a significant increase in pet surrenders as residents struggle with rising pet care costs. The shelter has seen unprecedented number of animals, leading to capacity issues.
Stafford County Sheriff's Capt. Joseph Bice, who oversees the shelter, explained the situation. “In the two and a half years I’ve been here, the number of dogs we’re taking in is extraordinary. We’re getting dogs at a rate of three to one compared to the rate of adoption.”
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Stafford County Animal Shelter has once again reached capacity and is pleading for adoptions and fosters.
In the month of June, the shelter has "had a record 32 dogs surrendered to our shelter in just 20 days," according to their Facebook page. In addition to the surrenders, the shelter has had 23 stray dogs, with only 18 being reunited with their owners so far. They posted "57 dogs [are] currently in our care - 41 of them are available for adoption. This situation is unprecedented and simply not maintainable. Despite reaching out to our community countless times in the past few months, we find ourselves in an even worse situation each time we catch a glimpse of relief and the fact is, we are now at a breaking point."
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Stafford County's Animal Shelter is facing a dire situation as it grapples with an unprecedented number of dogs in its care. Animal Captain Joe Bice revealed that the shelter has far exceeded its capacity.
"Last year, we adopted or transferred 583 dogs, with an average stay of 21 days in the shelter," stated Bice. "However, we've been over adoption capacity for most of 2023 and 2024."
