Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS) is seeking people willing to adopt or provide foster care for adult dogs following a substantial increase in the number of homeless pets coming into the Loudoun County Animal Shelter. The number of dogs, in particular, has jumped to more than double the number received in the same three-month time period last year (December 6 to March 6), from 93 to 210. While the new facility, which opened in 2021, was designed to accommodate a growing community, the unexpected influx of animals has pushed kennel capacity to the maximum.
In the hopes of increasing pet adoptions, LCAS is waiving adoption fees through March 19, 2023, for all adult animals over one year of age.
Adoption Process
Loudoun County Animal Services is located at: 42225 Adoption Drive in Leesburg. Adoption hours are 11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Monday - Sunday. Adoptions are on a first-come, first-served basis and a visit with the animal is required prior to submitting an adoption application. LCAS encourages those interested in adopting to arrive by 5:00 p.m. to allow time for adoption counseling and paperwork. No new adoptions will be started after 5:30 p.m.
All available animals are listed online; the website is updated continually to reflect the available animals. Pets are spayed/neutered, up to date on all age-appropriate vaccinations, dewormed, given flea/tick treatment and microchipped before adoption. More information is online at loudoun.gov/AnimalAdoptions.
Foster Homes Sought
LCAS is also seeking temporary foster homes for adult dogs. Foster families provide animals with a break from the shelter, allowing them to enjoy the experience of a family for up to two weeks, while LCAS provides all food, supplies and support needed. Anyone interested in short-term fostering of adult dogs is encouraged to fill out the LCAS Dog Foster Interest Form.
Why the Increase
LCAS has identified several factors contributing to the increase in the number of animal arrivals, most noticeably due to families being in personal or economic crisis, and/or struggling to finding pet-inclusive housing.
“So many of these pets had loving families, and through no fault of their own now need a new place to call home,” said LCAS Operations Manager Melissa Heard. “While we work with as many families as possible to help them keep their pets, right now we are in critical need of adopters and temporary fosters willing to take adult dogs.”
Resources for Pet Owners
LCAS offers resources for pet owners to help keep pets in their homes, including the Post-Adoption Well-Being & Support (PAWS) program and the Pet Pantry, which provides pet food supplies for families in need and is a collaboration between LCAS, the Humane Society of Loudoun and Loudoun Hunger Relief.
More Information
More information about LCAS services and program is online at loudoun.gov/animals.
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