Animal control is an advocate for animal welfare and public safety.   More than 2,500 calls are received annually asking for help with lost and found dogs, animal welfare, dogs in livestock, unvaccinated animals and dog bites. 

Help a stray dog using these tips:

• Allow the dog to return home on its own. The majority of the time dogs are not lost.
• Speak with your neighbors and try to find the dog’s owner.
• Keep the dog while looking for the owner. Notify animal control and Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Animal Shelter (SAWAS). Place information on social media outlets like Facebook and specifically Spot A Pet and Lost/Found Pets! Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta Co. Virginia. 
• Take the stray to the SAW Animal Shelter during normal operating hours.

Stray Cats

• Animal control does not pick up stray or owner surrendered cats.
• Cats may be taken to the animal shelter (SAWAS) during normal operating hours.  Appointments are recommended.
• Citizens may consider trap-neuter-release (TNR) programs. Contact SAWAS for more information, 540-943-5142.

Animal Control answers calls 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  After-hour and weekend calls are handled on an emergency basis only.  Emergencies are handled case-by-case.  If it is a true emergency, dial 911.  Dogs running at large are not considered an emergency.

Animal control is responsible for enforcing local ordinances and state law.

Augusta County and the Cities of Staunton and Waynesboro are the owners of the municipal shelter, Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Animal Shelter, located at 1011 Lee Highway, Verona.