How can I view the animals that are up for adoption at the VBACAC? Are they viewable online?
Many
animals can be viewed through our Petfinder website, our Facebook
page www.facebook.com/VBAnimalCareandAdoptionCenter, or at www.vbacac.com. This information is updated as
frequently as possible. To ensure you have the most current information on
adoptable animals, we welcome you to visit the VBACAC in person and/or call the
shelter at 385-4444 (option 2) to inquire about the specific animal you are
interested in.
Can I adopt a pet from the VBACAC?
Yes! Please do! VBACAC does adopt pets that are not claimed by original owners.
May I turn my pet into the VBACAC to find it a new home?
VBACAC will take "surrendered owner animals". Animal owners are required to sign a "release of ownership". This is a service that is provided, however the animal owner is encouraged to think this decision through carefully. We do recommend exhausting all other reasonable possibilities (i.e., contacting the SPCA, behavior training, rehoming) before surrendering an animal. There is no charge to the owner that turns their pet into the VBACAC.
You can submit a surrender counselling request here for assistance with the challenges you are having with your pet.
Additional resources to help you retain your pet can be accessed here.
Can I bring my sick pet to the VBACAC to be euthanized?
The Animal Care and Adoption Center is an open-admission shelter meaning we will never turn your animal away. You may surrender ownership of your animal to us.
If you choose to surrender your animal, the decision to euthanize, adopt, or transfer that animal to another organization rests with our professional staff.
If we determine that euthanasia is the appropriate decision for the animal, certified and trained staff will humanely perform the procedure with the utmost care.
We do not offer euthanasia services where an owner can be present. If it is your decision to euthanize your pet and want to ensure that euthanasia is the only outcome and/or you wish to be present with your pet during the procedure, you will need to seek out services through a veterinary establishment. Unfortunately, we are unable to recommend any specific veterinary establishment; however, if you need assistance locating a licensed veterinarian you may visit the Department of Health Professions website (link below) which will enable you to look up all licensed veterinarians by zip code.
DHP link: https://dhp.virginiainteractive.org/Lookup/Index
What should I do if my animal goes missing?
Come to the VBACAC or call the office at (757) 385-4444 Option #2. In most cases verbal descriptions including breed type are not reliable. Citizens looking for lost pets are strongly advised to visit the VBACAC and look, especially if it has been more than 24 hours.
The best way to ensure the safe return of your lost animal 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. If no one is home, the officer will leave a note on the door advising the animal was picked up. If the officer is unable to access the pet tag information immediately, and cannot leave a note, the owner will be notified by telephone as soon as the officer obtains the information. If the animal is wearing tags, the owner must be notified within 48 hours.
Please remember animals will sometimes lose their tags or have them removed by someone. Even if your animal leaves home wearing a collar and tags, there is always a chance the collar may not be on when the animal is picked up. Consider micro-chipping your animal.
You are welcome to check Lost& Found Pets - Hampton Roads, VA on Facebook for dogs impounded at the Animal Care and Adoption Center that have not been reclaimed. Please note that this may not be all inclusive and owners of lost pets are encouraged to visit the center in person to verify if their pet has been impounded. Due to varying animal/breed descriptions, it is not possible for staff to verify, via phone, with 100% certainty if a specific pet is at the center. Staff will be happy to escort you throughout the shelter and assist you in searching for your pet on site.
Impounded animals are held for their owner for 10 days if they are wearing a collar or have identification when picked up, and for 5 days if they are not wearing a collar or do not have identification when picked up.