Animal Control
About Us
Our mission is to serve the community concerning the welfare of animals as well as problem, neglected and dangerous animals. We enforce County and State laws.
Services Include
- Nuisance domestic animals
- Impounding stray dogs and dogs running at large
- Locating stray and found animals
- Loaning cat traps to citizens to transfer stray and feral cats to the Humane Society
- Offering animals for adoption
- Assisting with sick and injured wildlife such as raccoon and opossums
- Investigate animal neglect and cruelty
New Tethering Law effective July 1, 2020.
Report stray pets or abuse
Call 757-565-0370 to report stray dogs and cats, suspected abuse of livestock or domestic animals and small injured wildlife such as raccoons and opossums.
Request Removal of Dead Animals Along Roadways
For the removal of dead animals along roadways, contact the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) by reporting a road problem online or calling 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623).
Report Problems with Wildlife
Dog Licenses
Dog licenses can be purchased at the Satellite Services Building or the Treasurer’s Office. All dogs and cats are required by state law to be vaccinated for rabies at 4 months of age.
Outside Dogs
If you keep a dog outside, the animal must have an enclosed shelter and water. If on a chain, the chain should be 15 feet or 4 times the length of the dog’s body.
Additional Information
For more information, see our Brochure (PDF).
Rabies & Animal Bites
"Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It kills almost any mammal or human that gets sick from it." (Virginia Department of Health)
The Rabies virus lives in the saliva, the virus is spread by getting the infected virus into a wound. Only mammals get rabies. Rabies can be prevented by getting the proper vaccinations from you local veterinarian on a regular basis. Keep records of your pet’s vaccinations for future reference. If your pet is bitten, contact the local health or animal control authorities. To limit the possibility of exposure, keep your pets on your property. Don’t leave garbage out that may attract wild infected animals to your property. A rabid animal sometimes acts tame. Do not keep wild animals as pets. If you see an animal acting strangely, report it to your local animal control. Do not go near it yourself!
What to Do
If you have been bitten, don’t panic but don’t ignore it. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and plenty of water. Get medical attention as soon as you can. If you can, identify the animal before it runs away, then call the local animal control. If it is a wild animal that must be killed, do not damage the head. The brain is used to test for the rabies virus.
If your pet has bitten someone, tell the person who was bitten to see a doctor immediately. Domestic animals will be confined for a period of 10 days for observation/quarantine.
More Information
Please call the Law Enforcement Center, 757-253-1800, and the Virginia Health Department 757-253-4813.
Preparing Your Pet for Emergencies
Are your pets a part of your family’s emergency plan? Learn more about what you can do to prepare for your pets during an emergency on the Virginia Department of Health website.