October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and we have a wonderful place right here in Galax to meet dogs looking for homes.
The Galax Carroll Grayson Animal Shelter serves Galax, Carroll County and Grayson County, providing care for homeless, abandoned and surrendered dogs and cats from our community.
If you have been thinking about adding a dog to your family, this is a good month to take a look.
Sometimes the best pet finds you
I have been a veterinarian long enough to know that people do not always come home with the dog they pictured before walking into a shelter.
You may go looking for a puppy and find yourself taken with a calm adult dog. You may think you want a certain breed and discover that a friendly mixed-breed dog has exactly the personality your family needs.
Give yourself time to meet the animals and talk with the shelter staff. They see these dogs every day and may be able to tell you quite a bit about their personalities, activity levels and needs.
Age deserves some consideration, too. Puppies are wonderful, but they come with plenty of work. An adult dog may already have some house training and manners. Senior dogs can make especially sweet companions for someone looking for a quieter friend.
Visit our local shelter
The Galax Carroll Grayson Animal Shelter is located at:
200 Fair Street
Galax, VA 24333
276-236-8501
animalshelter@galaxva.com
Current hours are:
Tuesday through Thursday: 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday and Monday: Closed
The shelter also maintains listings of available dogs and cats online through Petfinder: https://www.petfinder.com/search/dogs-for-adoption/us/va/galax/
Since pets can be adopted quickly, I recommend calling before making a special trip if you are interested in a particular animal.
There are a few adoption rules to keep in mind. Virginia law requires shelter animals to be sterilized. The shelter’s Petfinder information also notes that animals that have not already been spayed or neutered can only be adopted within Galax, Carroll, Grayson and adjoining Virginia counties.
The shelter can explain the current requirements, fees and paperwork when you call or visit.
Cats are waiting, too
October’s national observance focuses on shelter dogs, but our local shelter has cats looking for homes as well. So if you are more of a cat person, you are certainly welcome to celebrate in your own way. There may be a dog or cat just a few minutes from home waiting for someone to walk through the door. And from a veterinarian who has met a lot of wonderful shelter pets over the years, I can tell you that some of the best friendships start exactly that way.
Dr. Jenkins
Healing Springs Animal Hospital
Galax, Virginia
