Smyth County Animal Shelter
287 Fox Valley Rd,
Marion,
VA, 24354

Phone: 276-646-2222

Opening Hours for Adoption, Viewing and Reclamation:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 1pm-4:30pm by appointment only

Opening Hours for Animal Intake (by appointment only):
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 8-12, 1-4:30pm
Tuesday and Thursday: 8-12, 1-4:15pm
Closed Daily for lunch 12-1pm
Closed Sunday and Holidays

The pet in the photo (top right) is looking for a home. Click on the picture for more information about it.

Lost and Found Pets are featured on the Smyth Shelter Friends Facebook Page

Who we are
Our shelter is a small rural shelter and the total number of animals varies day by day. Our shelter is run by our Animal Control staff of five officers, a Shelter Manager, and a Shelter Attendant. We are responsible for covering 452 square miles in Smyth County and deal with cats, dogs, livestock, and wildlife. Our shelter only has 12 dog runs and 20 cat cages, but despite that, we took in just under 1900 animals in 2018. The Smyth County Animal Shelter is not a 'no kill' shelter. We need rescues and adopters to take dogs from the shelter in order to make room for the strays that we are committed to take in. If you are unable to keep your dog, please find it a home. Surrendering your dog to Smyth County Animal Shelter will not guarantee it will go to a home for a new life. SCAS is committed to take in stray dogs. If they run out of space, your dog could be euthanized to make room for another stray. Dogs marked as URGENT have little time left to live unless they are adopted or taken by a rescue.

Volunteers Wanted
What they do need are volunteers willing to go into the shelter and meet the animals, spend time with them, photograph them, help transport them to vet clinics and long distance transport drivers to move them to rescues. The rescues need approved foster homes to help these dogs and cats get out of the shelter and on their way to a new life. SCAS need volunteers to help contact rescue organizations to make arrangements to move the animals. This usually takes numerous calls, messages, re-contacting everyone, maybe having a plan or two in case it falls apart so you have start over. Please visit or contact us about volunteering.

We need temporary homes for dogs that have run out of time. We have stray dogs coming in and no empty kennels to put them in so we have to make room. Smyth Animal Rescue works to save animals from Smyth County Animal Shelter. We provide all supplies and vetting - you provide LOVE and a soft place to land. If you can share your home with a dog until we can find it a home or place at a rescue, even for a few days, you can SAVE A LIFE! Click here to fill out our foster home form

Lost your dog?
Some of the stray dogs are featured on the Smyth Shelter Friends Facebook Page but not all are put here so contact the shelter if you have lost your dog.

Find the right dog for you
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.

Please Donate to Help the Dogs
We need towels, blankets, hard and soft dog food, basic cleaning supplies and dog beds. We also have an Amazon Wishlist. See our Donation Page for other items we can use. You can also donate to our Spay/Neuter Fund. For more information about how you can donate, see our Donation Page. On behalf of the dogs thank you.

No Squeeky Toys Please
Toys that make a noise when you squeeze them can encourage some dogs to be aggressive towards young children because they squeek too. The device that makes the noise is usually small and can be harmful if swallowed. Some toys of this type contain a small battery which is poisonous if the dog eats it. The best toys are tuggers, tennis balls and hard chew toys that cannot be ripped apart.

Changes to Dog Tethering Law From July 1, 2020, there are changes to dog tethering laws across the state of Virginia. The legislation expanded the definition of 'adequate shelter' for family dogs. It is illegal to leave tethered dogs outside when temperatures are below 32°F or above 85°F or when the weather service issues warnings for hurricanes, tornadoes and other severe weather. The legislation also increases the minimum length of a tether from 10 feet to 15 feet. Additionally, dogs must be provided adequate shelter during hot weather that is properly shaded and does not readily conduct heat. During cold weather, the shelter must have a windbreak at its entrance and provide bedding material (such as straw, cedar shavings, or similar) that is sufficient to protect the animal from cold and promote the retention of body heat. Adequate Shelter Virgina Code 3.2-6500 Click here for more information

Visiting Smyth County Animal Shelter
Please phone us on 276-646-2222 to check that the dog you want to visit is still available.
Location Map of Smyth County Animal Shelter, Marion, VA