Animals & Pets
How to best care for animals at home and at play, and safely respond to stranded wildlife.
Fun in the Sun
Browse dog parks and make sure you’re aware of the rules before bringing your pup out to play.
Adoptions, Licenses & Missing Pets
Animal Control and Adoption Center is the place to find your lost pet or add a pet to your family.
Animals & Pets
Although pet licensing is coordinated through the City Treasurer's Office, most pet and animal services are provided by the Police Department's Animal Control Unit.
In addition to promoting responsible pet ownership, the unit handles lost or injured animals and protects the public from animal-related communicable diseases such as rabies.
Animal Control also enforces laws, regulations, codes and procedures concerning the care of domesticated animals and control of wild animals to ensure they are treated humanely. The division works with the local organizations to help stray or abused animals find new homes as healthy, adoptable pets or live the remainder of their lives in a safe environment.
To learn more about what to do with your animals in an emergency or disaster, visit the Emergency Preparedness page.​
Encountered a Distressed Animal?
If an animal appears to be orphaned, dead, sick, injured or stranded, please report it to the appropriate authorities.
Be a Shelter Volunteer
The Virginia Beach Animal Care & Adoption Center is seeking motivated volunteers for a variety of opportunities.
Dogs at the Beach
Make sure you and your four-legged friend have a safe and happy time on the sand by knowing the rules. Some beaches are off-limits during the summer.
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