Our Story

About Our Shelter

Call the shelter at (804) 580-6156 to ask about adoption and available pets. Please leave your name, phone number, and a message if there is no answer. You may also contact the shelter by e-mail at shelter@northumberlandsheriff.net

If you have concerns about animal abuse or neglect, call Animal Control at the Northumberland County Sheriff’s Department at 804-580-5221.

If you find a stray dog, please read the article below about Northumberland County’s Leash Laws before contacting the shelter:
Help by not helping. It sounds crazy, but it’s true! Well-intending citizens of Northumberland County is creating an unnecessary workload for the already overtaxed employees and volunteers at the Northumberland County Animal Shelter by turning in dogs violating the Northumberland County “Leash laws.” The problem is that Northumberland County DOES NOT HAVE “LEASH LAWS”. That’s right, except 15 local subdivisions, there are no leash laws in Northumberland County! That doesn’t mean that dogs are permitted to roam freely without any legal requirements; specifically, all dogs in the county must have an annual dog license with a county-issued tag attached to a collar. As long as a dog meets this requirement, he or she is permitted (although not recommended) to roam free in Northumberland County except in the 15 local subdivisions noted above. Those 15 subdivisions are identified on the County website [www.co.northumberland.va.us].

So, well-intended citizens picking up and turning in an unrecognized dog with an attached collar and tag imposes an unnecessary workload on the local animal shelter and could also be characterized as stealing another’s dog…and we wouldn’t want that. You can help by (1) familiarizing yourself with the information contained in this posting, (2) getting to know the dogs in your area or neighborhood, and (3) never turning in a dog who is wearing a collar with a current County license tag. If you have any doubts, such as a sick dog that won’t leave your property or is causing a nuisance, contact the Northumberland County Animal Control Officer at 804 580-5221.
Your Shelter Appointment
​During your shelter appointment, staff will gladly give you a tour and introduce you to the pets, help you complete the adoption process, discuss volunteer opportunities, and accept donations.

Donations
Gently used items such as towels, blankets, pet toys, crates, leashes, collars, etc., in addition to pet food items (like canned food and treats) can be donated at the shelter. Donated dry pet food is not used by the shelter since pets are fed one brand of dry food to help reduce gastric upsets, but is re-donated to other charitable organizations. If you need a donation receipt, please call (804) 580-6156 to set up a drop-off time with shelter staff, so you can receive your receipt. Donations should be placed in the donation shed (located next to the shelter); please close the door after depositing your donation.

Shelter Contact Information and Hours
Location: 11703 Northumberland Hwy., Heathsville, VA (Next to the Horsehead Waste Disposal and Recycle Center)
Phone Number: (804) 580-6156
E-mail: shelter@northumberlandsheriff.net

Open Shelter Hours:
Monday & Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Or call to set up an appointment, Monday-Saturday

Send Donations To
FNCAS, P.O. Box 603, Burgess, VA 22432

Mailing Address: FNCAS, P.O. Box 603, Burgess, VA 22432

Phone Number: (804) 580-6156 (Shelter/pet related questions)

E-mail: friendsncas@gmail.com This email should not be used for pet adoption applications. Pet adoption applications should be sent to shelter@northumberlandsheriff.net.