Adoptions, Shelters & Licensing

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 Pet Adoptions

Girl with kitten
​​​​Citizens interested in adopting an animal are encouraged to visit the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center located at 341 S. Birdneck Road.

Animals Available for Adoption

Many of the shelter's adoptable animals are featured on the Pet​F​i​nder 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. Learn more about adoption fees.​​​

Adoption Center Hours

​Monday, Wednesday, & Friday
11AM - 6PM

Tuesday (Reclaims Only)
11AM - 3PM

Thursday
12PM - 7PM

Saturday & Sunday
10AM - 3PM

 Volunteer Opportunities

The Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center is seeking motivated volunteers who would like to assist shelter animals in finding new homes. Interested individuals must complete an​ volunteer 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.

 Lost & Found Pets

Sad woman with lost pet sign
​If your pet is missing, call the shel​​ter 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

Type of Animal​ ​1 Year ​2 Year ​3 Year
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 Girl and dog on beach

PetData Inc. operates the animal licensing program for the Virginia Beach Treasurer's Office. Licenses may be obtained online, at any one of four Treasurer’s locations, and at participating veterinary offices or private agents city-wide.
 
For additional information, call PetData toll-free at 1 (866) 923-1796 or email VBAnimalTag@petdata.com
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Contact Information

 Adoption Center Hours

​Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday
11AM - 6PM

Tuesday (Reclaims Only)
11AM - 3PM

Thursday
12PM - 7PM

Saturday & Sunday
10AM - 3PM