Pet Adoptions
Animals Available for Adoption: 
Many of the shelter's adoptable animals are featured on the
PetFinder website. This information is updated weekly. For the most current information on adoptable animals, visit our shelter in person.
Adoption Fees
Adoption fees range from $25-$135. The final cost depends on whether the animal is a dog or cat and if the animal has been spayed/neutered. Click here for more information.
Location:
341 S. Birdneck Road, Virginia Beach
| Tuesday |
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Reclaims Only |
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| Thursday |
2 p.m. - 7 p.m. |
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| Saturday & Sunday |
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
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Friends of Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center are seeking motivated volunteers who would like to assist shelter animals in finding new homes. Interested individuals must complete an application, meet volunteer requirements established by the city, submit to a criminal background check, have a clean criminal record, and cannot have been charged or convicted of an animal-related crime.
Volunteers are needed to photograph animals in the shelter for display on PetFinder, exercise and walk dogs in the kennel, spend time with and comfort cats, and participate in public adoption events. If your pet is missing, call the shelter at (757) 385-4444 and select "Option #2." In most cases, verbal descriptions are unreliable. Animal Control recommends that you visit the shelter in person if you believe your pet may be in their custody.
Animals without a collar impounded by Animal Control are held for five days after impoundment; animals with a collar are held for 10 days. If adoptable, they are then available to new families if they have not been claimed by their rightful owner. Dogs or cats adopted from Animal Control must be sterilized. More information is available on the
Care & Adoption Center page.
The best way to ensure the safe return of your lost pet is to have a city license on the animal. In most cases, animals wearing tags can be returned to the owner rather than being impounded.
Animal Licenses
City law requires that owners of dogs and cats four months or older obtain a license for the animal. Virginia Beach residents may purchase a one- two- or three-year license by applying (in writing or in person) with the City Treasurer or an appointed agent by paying the license tax and providing evidence of vaccination.
Cost
| Dog or Cat that has not been spayed/neutered |
$10 |
$20 |
$30 |
| Spayed/Neutered Dog |
$7 |
$14 |
$21 |
| Spayed/Neutered Cat |
$5 |
$10 |
$15 |
Apply for an Animal License 
PetData Inc. operates the animal licensing program for the Virginia Beach Treasurer's Office.
Licenses may be obtained through their website, at any one of four Treasurer’s locations, and at participating veterinary offices or private agents citywide. Click here for the full list.