Yes, animals are available for adoption! Animals that are impounded at the Bureau of Animal Control are held for a minimum of 5 days commencing on the first day after impoundment. Animals without a collar are held for 5 days, animals with a collar are held for 10 days. These animals are available for adoption if not first claimed by their rightful owner. Sterilization of a dog or cat adopted from the Virginia Beach Bureau of Animal Control is required under Virginia State Code 3.1-796.126:1

Adoption Procedures:

1. Citizens interested in adopting an animal are encouraged to visit the shelter. Some animals can go home right away, where others must be held for a few days first. If you locate an animal that you would like, you may have your name placed on the waiting list (if you come in person)  for that animal and we will contact you when the animals holding period is over. In many cases the animal can go home with you the same day. A representative selection of animals in the kennel can be viewed at Petfinder .
2. Only residents that live Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake or Northampton County may adopt from the Virginia Beach Bureau.
3. Upon adoption and within 10 days the animal must be taken to a licensed veterinarian for a thorough examination.
4. If an animal is found to be ill and the new owner wishes to return it they may, with written proof of illness from the veterinarian.
5. The new owner of an animal has 30 days to have the animal sterilized from the day of adoption. If the animal is under 6 months the new owner will be allowed up to 60 days.
6. If the animal is lost, stolen or dies before sterilization the adopter will notify animal Control within 7 days of the animal's death or disappearance. The adopter is subject to a civil penalty if they fail to do this.
7. If the adopter chooses not to keep this animal prior to sterilization, then they must return the animal to Animal Control.

Adoption Fees:

• Unaltered dogs: $75.00
• Unaltered Cats: $70.00
• Altered dogs: $25.00
• Altered Cats: $20.00
• All others: $15.00