Animals & Pets

Fun in the Sun

Check out the city's dog parks and make sure you are aware of beach rules before bringing your pup out to play.

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Reporting Abuse

We all have a stake in stopping animal abuse. Reporting animal mistreatment helps create a safer society. Learn how.

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Encountered a Distressed Animal?

The Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Team helps stranded sea turtles or marine mammals (dolphins, whales, seals, manatee).

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Best Friends Available

The Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center has plenty of loveable pets for you to meet. Visit us today!

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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 Division.

In addition to promoting responsible pet ownership, the division handles lost or injured animals and works to protect 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 in order to ensure they are treated humanely. The division works with the local ASPCA and wildlife rescue organizations to ensure that strays or abused animals have an opportunity to 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 the event of an emergency or disaster, visit the Emergency Planning page.