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1. Can Animal Control Officers pick up my dog or cat if it is wearing a license or rabies tag?

Yes, they can.

All dogs and cats are required by law to be licensed. Dogs are required to wear their license. Dogs and cats that are outside, and whose owner is not present, are required to bear valid identification. No animal may roam off of the owner's property. Officers trace tags to determine where the pet belongs.

Under the "Free Ride Home Program" Animal Control Officers pledge that if any dog or cat is picked up for simple straying, and that animal is wearing a tag the officer can trace, or has a registered microchip, the officer will take the pet home rather than impounding it at the shelter located at 2100 S Military Highway.

This pledge is made providing there is no serious violation of law involved, such as a bite or mauling, and there is an adult owner home to receive the animal.

If there is no owner at home, the officer will leave the owner a notice advising them that their pet has been taken to the shelter. In that way owners will know where to find their pet and know that it is safe.

2. How do I report my pet as missing or lost?

If you lose your pet, visit the Shelter first. The Shelter is located at 2100 S Military Highway. A photo of your pet is required to file a lost report. Please do not call. The shelter is open for lost and found from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday; and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The Shelter is closed on Wednesdays and holidays. Get tips on how to find your pet.

3. How do I report a stray or animal I have found?

Call the Chesapeake Police Department's Non-Emergency line at 757-382-6161 day or night. If you have taken the animal in and would like to bring it directly to the shelter, you are encouraged to call the shelter at 757-382-8080 prior to doing so. The shelter is located at 2100 S Military Highway. It is open for lost and found from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday; and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The Shelter is closed on Wednesday and holidays. Find more tips on how to help a lost animal.

4. How can lost or impounded animals be redeemed?

Animals impounded by Animal Control Officers are cared for at the Shelter located at 2100 S Military Highway. The Shelter is open for redemptions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday; and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The Shelter is closed on Wednesdays and holidays.