Animal Control & Shelter

About Colonial Heights Animal Control and Shelter

The Animal Control Division, supervised by the Operations Division Commander, is tasked with the enforcement of city ordinances and state laws relating to the control and protection of animals. The shelter is operated and maintained in accordance with state laws. Animal Control Officers attend in-service training which provides updates on laws, procedures, and techniques.

Make an Appointment for Pet Adoptions

The Colonial Heights Animal Shelter is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday Through Friday.  For any after hours inquiries, please call 804-520-9397 and follow the prompts to leave a message.

For ALL emergency services relating to a stray, lost, or injured animal, please call our Non-Emergency Services line at (804)520-9300, select option 7 and a communications staff member will assist  you.  

Visit AdoptAPet.com for our list of Adoptable Pets 

Safe Pets Program

If you are a victim of domestic abuse and are not able to go to a shelter because of your pets, please contact Colonial Heights Animal Services as they may be able to assist you during this time.

Donations to the Animal Shelter

The animal shelter welcomes donated items to help support our shelter. We accept:

• Cleaning products ( bleach, blue dawn dish soap, and laundry detergent)
• gently used towels
• blankets
• rubber dog toys
• unopened bags of cat and dog food
• canned dog and cat food
• Click HERE to view our Amazon Donation Wish List of items!

The shelter greatly appreciates your support and donations!

License Information

Any dog or cat four months of age or older must have a city license. The license consists of a receipt and metal tag. The tag is marked Colonial Heights with a serial number and year in which the tag was issued. Tags should be fastened securely to a collar worn by the dog or cat.

Anyone who brings a dog or cat into the city must have it licensed within 30 days. Colonial Heights residents may obtain a license from the Billings & Collections office located at City Hall (201 James Avenue). You must furnish a certificate of rabies vaccination for each animal. No tag will be issued without proof the animal has been vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Rabies certificates and city license should be made available upon request for inspection by Animal Control.

The license fee is due annually by February 1st of each year. The fees are:

• Male and Female dog - $10.00 (plus 25% late fee after February 1)
• Male and Female cat - $10.00 (plus 25% late fee after February 1)
• Unsexed Dog or Cat - $ 2.00 (plus 25% late fee after February 1)
• Kennel License - $50.00

Number of Animals per Residence Limited

Ownership of more than four dogs and cats combined is prohibited in Colonial Heights. A special permit from City Council is required to keep more than four animals.

Impounded Animals

An impounded animal may be released to its owner upon payment of impoundment fees. Verification of rabies and city tags are also required. Animals that are impounded will be kept for 5 full days (with no identification) and 10 full days with identification. If not claimed during that holding period, the animal may be eligible for adoption. The impoundment fee is $20.00 for the first day of confinement and $5.00 for each day after.