🐾 Kids at the Dog Park: Real Stories, Safety Risks & Smarter Solutions
If you’ve spent time at an off-leash park, you’ve probably seen it:A parent strolls in with a stroller 🚼 or […]

Conveniently located in South Boston, Virginia, the Halifax County Animal Shelter serves both the community and its four-legged residents. This facility is known for its efforts to rehome stray and abandoned pets and offers access to a local dog park. Reviews indicate that while the shelter strives to maintain a clean and organized environment, some visitors have experienced challenges with staff professionalism, while others appreciated the dedication and warmth shown by certain team members.
The dog park is situated near the tennis courts, making it a central spot for pet-friendly outings in South Boston. Dog owners can enjoy easy access from nearby amenities, and ample parking is reported onsite. The area offers various activities, including playgrounds and trails that are dog-friendly, perfect for walking or hiking. However, some visitors noted concerns about comfort near the tennis courts and recommended being mindful of cleanliness. Overall, this is a pet-friendly destination suitable for families and their dogs looking to enjoy outdoor time in Halifax County.
I called to report a stray male dog near my property, hoping to do the responsible thing. Instead of being met with professionalism and concern, I was met with rudeness, attitude, and complete dismissiveness.
I explained that I have two dogs of my own that are very territorial, and I had to secure them inside my house in fear of a potential fight. When I tried to communicate this, the person who answered the phone—whether receptionist or staff—showed no concern for the situation and handled me with a tone that was disrespectful and unnecessary.
If your job is to work with the public and animals, professionalism and compassion should come first. If you can’t meet people with basic respect, then this isn’t the right profession.
Very disappointed in this experience.
Nice, clean shelter with enthusiastic, friendly staff, trying their darnedest to rehome stray and abandoned dogs and cats. Much, much nicer facility, than most small shelters that I have visited.
Stray came up to my father with a deep meow, kinda like he was in pain or really hungry, I tried to feed him tuna and he only ate the liquid and eventually went to throw it up. I brought him home for a day or two, then took him into the Halifax Shelter when receiving a text from Paws and Claws, I had attempted to feed him and make sure he was okay however they assumed I was turning in a pet I didn’t want to help. I had taken the stray to the vet to see if it had a microchip/try to turn it in/help and the vet denied me further help except for a fecal test, and then this Animal Shelter acted like I was in the wrong for trying to help. They were immediately rude, and not understanding in any way of the situation.
Called about a stray female dog staying around and then on our property. Tried to post her on social media also. We were hoping she had a family looking for her. We wouldn’t be able to keep her here unfortunately because of our male dog freaking out (every night and day for weeks).. She was a sweetie though. Props to Jackie who came out to get her ( you could tell she is an absolute animal lover) she was incredibly nice & calm dealing with the dog. Thank you to HCAS I really hope the sweet girl goes to a good, loving home.
Awful service. My mother called asking about our dog who got into a fight, she was crying and obviously scared because she was bit. We can’t get her anywhere because she’s old and we can’t get into cars, it’s difficult to keep a now 100+ lb old European Great Dane to stop jumping on another dog, not even the staff who work here would be able to if one person was doing it. Basically told my mom that she should have been more responsible and do not own dogs if they cannot handle them. To clarify, we’ve had this dog for 5+ years and was easily able to handle her until recent when it had gotten more aggressive the older she got. Very disappointing of this place.