ANIMAL CONTROL
All Animal Control operations fall under the supervision of the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office. The primary point of contact for Animal Control is Animal Control Sergeant J. C. Heffler. Sergeant Heffler can be reached at the Caroline County Animal Shelter at (804) 633-9041.
Animal Control Deputies enforce animal laws and regulations of the State and County. Duties performed by Animal Control Deputies include answering citizen complaints, catching stray, dangerous or destructive dogs, investigating livestock damage or death for compensation claims, investigating possible animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment, assisting other law enforcement agencies, Conservation Police and Fire & Rescue personnel with animal related calls, maintaining the Animal Shelter and euthanizing animals when necessary. The Animal Shelter is located at 14080 Devils Three Jump Road. (804) 633-9041
Click to Adopt
Hours of OperationThe shelter is manned and open for adoptions Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Adoption InformationDogs and cats are available for adoption at the Caroline County Animal Shelter. Only Caroline County residents or adjoining County residents (Hanover, King George, Essex, Spotsylvania, Stafford, King and Queen and King William) are able to adopt non-sterilized animals. By state law, anyone who adopts a dog or cat must have his or her new pet sterilized. Any Virginia citizen may adopt animals that have already been sterilized.
Adoption fees are as follows:
Adult dogs - $75.00 unsterilized ($10 adoption fee, $50 spay/neuter certificate, $15 deworming w/panacur)
Adult dogs - $25.00 sterilized ($10 adoption fee, $15.00 deworming w/panacur)
Puppies* - $85.00 ($10 adoption fee, $50 spay/neuter certificate, $10 distemper/parvo vaccine & $15 deworming w/panacur) *less than six months old
Cats - $75 unsterilized ($10 adoption fee, $50 spay/neuter certificate, $10 Felovax IV vaccine, $5 deworming)
Cats - $25 sterilized ($10 adoption fee, $10 Felovax IV vaccine, $5 deworming)
All Animals - $15 thirty day flea/tick treatment.
LivestockTo assist us in locating the owners of loose livestock as well as to assist in any natural disaster, Caroline County Sheriff's Office Animal Control would like your contact information. We ask for this in the event we need to locate you in reference to your livestock. Your information will not be shared and will only be used for law enforcement purposes. Please click here to go to the Livestock Registry Form. You may fill it out online and print the form to mail, or email the information to Sergeant J. C. Heffler.
DonationsWe can always use the following items! (Please drop them off directly at the Animal Shelter.)
* Washable blankets
* Towels (all sizes)
* Dog and cat treats (rawhide, bones etc)
* Grooming supplies
* Cash donations for vaccines and wormers
Animal Control LawsAll owners of dogs and cats must have proof that their animal(s) has been vaccinated against rabies by four months of age by a licensed veterinarian. All dog owners or custodians must have a current Caroline County Dog License or Kennel License for all dogs four months old or older.
It is against the law to permit any dog to run at large at any time, except when engaged in lawful hunting in the open season and accompanied by the owner or custodian.
Any dog found without a valid Caroline County Dog License attached to its collar will be considered "unlicensed" unless its owner can prove otherwise (Animal Control will contact the owner of any animal with identification as soon as possible).
Dead animals must be disposed of by their owners, the property owner, or by the Virginia Department of Transportation if found in a roadway. Animal Control will NOT dispose of dead animals.
Cruelty to animals and fowl is prohibited.
Any dog deemed "dangerous" by the General District Court will be completely restricted to ensure public safety and health. Any dog deemed to be “vicious” by the court will be euthanized.
It is unlawful for anyone to keep any poisonous or dangerous reptiles. Livestock are not permitted to be at-large at anytime.
Response TimesNormal Response Hours are: Monday through Friday--8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
During regular business hours, citizens requesting assistance from Animal Control may call (804) 633-9041. A dispatcher will take key information and relay it to an Animal Control Deputy by radio. Calls are prioritized according to the potential threat to the safety and health of the public. All calls are answered as soon as possible, but it may take up to 48 hours depending on call volume.
Emergency Response Hours
Monday through Friday--5:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Saturday & Sunday--All day
All county holidays--24 hours
During emergency response hours, one Animal Control Deputy is designated “on call” and will respond to health and safety related emergencies only. Citizens may request assistance by calling (804) 633-9041.
Emergencies Include: * Animal bites upon request of the Health Department or with owners unknown
* Critically injured animals with unknown owners
* Livestock in roadway
* Dogs attacking livestock
* Dogs running at large are NOT an emergency
WildlifeAnimal Control does not respond to situations involving wildlife, but will provide general information and contacts to assist with wildlife problems. Situations involving wildlife are handled by the Commonwealth of Virginia Conservation Police. The Conservation Police may be reached at (804) 367-1258.
Dog License All dog owners must purchase an annual license for all dogs four months of age or older. Licenses may be purchased at the Treasurer's Office located at 117 Ennis Street in Bowling Green (phone 804-633-5291). A certificate of vaccination for rabies must accompany license applications.
Cost for Licenses
* Single dog spayed/neutered- $5.00
* Single dog unspayed/unneutered - $10.00
* Kennel for 20 dogs or less - $25
* Kennel for 21 dogs or more - $50
Lost or Missing PetsSend information about your lost or missing pet to: lostpet@carolinesheriff.org
Provide a complete description of the animal including the name, age, sex, weight, and breed. Include a picture if you have one. Animal Control officers will notify you if your pet is recieved at the shelter or found during their normal patrol.
