For Those Searching for a Pet, Shelter Provides Affordable Animals

By Charity Corkey (Contact)

Friday, February 27, 2009

Nestled in rural Waterford, the Loudoun County Animal Shelter houses animals of all kinds, including bunnies, turtles, puppies, ferrets and cats, waiting to be placed in caring homes.

While animals are typically relinquished because of neglect or abuse, the shelter has lately experienced an increase of animals surrendered due to their owner's financial troubles, according to public and community relations coordinator Laura Rizer.

But one's loss can quickly become another's gain. Adopting a pet at the animal shelter is easier on the wallet than purchasing from a breeder or pet store. A Loudoun resident unable to cough up $800 for a Yorkshire Terrier at the store may find a shelter Terrier - already trained - for $50 to $70.

Johanna Squires, 22, of Sterling, considered purchasing a pet rabbit for several months before adopting a 2-month-old bunny at one of the shelter's adoption events.

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Loudoun Pet Adoptions

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From left: Lyda Kiser walks her dog Lola with August Burzio, 10, and her sons Hugh, 10, and Jonathan, 8. The Kiser family adopted Lola in Dec. 2008 from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter. (Charity Corkey)

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Hugh Kiser, right, plays with his dog, Lola and friend August Burzio. Hugh's family recently adopted Lola, a Shi-Tzu mix, from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter. (Charity Corkey)

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Johana Squires holds her newly adopted bunny, Fiona, who she purchased from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter. (Gerald Edwards)

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Squires paid $5 for her bunny, Fiona, who was spayed by the shelter.

"I'm not participating in shows and I don't find it necessary to spend obsessive amounts of money on an animal I'm just going to keep as a pet," said Squires.

With the hope of increasing the adoptions of these affordable pets, the shelter staff posts pictures and information about many of the animals online.

Rosebud, for example, is a Russell Terrier and Cocker Spaniel mix who was relinquished to the shelter on Dec. 10, 2008. Rosebud is estimated to be around four years old, as stated on her Web page, and was given over to the shelter because her owner could no longer care for her. Rosebud's picture and additional details on her behavior can be found in the Adoptable Dogs list.

Lists for cats, rabbits and other animals can be viewed online as well.

Adopting from the shelter is also ideal for families seeking to minimize medical expenses. Each pet is spayed or neutered before being released, as well as de-wormed, and checked for fleas and ticks.

Prices for each species are featured on the shelter's adoption page.

According to adoption fees effective July 1, 2008, the cost for young male and female dogs is $50. Canines 7 years or older are released for $20.

Young cats are priced at $20, and older cats at $10. The adoption fee for a rabbit is $5, and ferrets, reptiles and other exotic mammals are $30.

Potential adopters can also rest assured that their prospective pets have not been wasting away in kennels. All of the animals, and particularly the dogs, receive daily exercise.

During one-on-one training sessions, which range from five to 20 minutes, Advanced Animal Care and Training Coordinator Jenny Swigart works on basic commands, such as sit and stay, as well as walking nicely on a leash and calmly greeting visitors.

Swigart also offers training for pets and owners after adoptions are finalized. She encourages owners experiencing difficulties to return for the shelter for free instruction.

The Loudoun County Animal Shelter is located at 39820 Charles Town Pike in Waterford. To contact the animal shelter, call 540-882-3211.

To give more exposure to eastern Loudoun, the shelter holds adoptions at the Sterling Community Center every other Friday, where locals can view a variety of pets and ask the staff questions from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tagged: animals, Loudoun County Animal Shelter

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