Ken Harris
Mr. Ken Harris
Chief Animal Control Officer
Julie Heffler
Julie Heffler
Assistant Animal Control Officer		Samantha Jessee
Samantha Jessee
Assistant Animal Control Officer
Shelter hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Click here for directions to the Caroline County Animal Shelter
Adopt a Pet

Dogs 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 for all dogs and cats are currently $45, which includes a certificate to have your pet spayed or neutered.

If you are interested in adopting a pet, contact the Animal Shelter at (804) 633-9041 or visit the shelter in person (located at 14080 Devils Three Jump Road).

Livestock Registry Form

In an effort to locate and notify the owners of loose livestock as well as to assist in any natural disaster; the Caroline County Animal Control would like your contact information in the event we should need to contact 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 Ken Harris.

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Donations Welcome!

We can always use the following items! (Please drop them off directly at the Animal Shelter.)
  • Washable blankets
  • Towels (all sizes)
  • Dog and cat treats
  • Grooming supplies
  • Cash donations for vaccines and wormers
Caroline County Animal Control has several pets for adoption. Click on the links below to see a few that are available!
Adopt
Click Here!
Caroline County Animal Shelter is a member of www.petfinder.org/shelters/VA184.html

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Laws and Regulations
  1. Dog owners must have proof that their animal(s) has been vaccinated against rabies by four months of age by a licensed veterinarian.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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.
  5. Cruelty to animals and fowl is prohibited.
  6. Any dog deemed "dangerous" by the General District Court or an Animal Control Officer will be completely restricted to ensure public safety and health. Any dog deemed to be “vicious” by the court will be euthanized.
  7. It is unlawful for anyone to keep any poisonous or dangerous reptiles.
  8. Livestock are not permitted to be at-large at anytime.

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Animal Control

Animal Control Officers enforce laws and regulations of the State and County. Duties performed by Animal Control Officers include answering citizen complaints, catching stray, dangerous or destructive dogs, investigating livestock damage or death for compensation claims, investigating possible cruelty to animals, assisting Sheriff's Deputies, Game Wardens and Fire and Rescue personnel with animal related calls, maintaining the Animal Shelter and euthanizing animals when necessary.


Regular Response Hours
Monday through Saturday--8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

During regular business hours, citizens requesting assistance from Animal Control may call (804) 633-9041. Animal Control personnel or a dispatcher will take key information and relay it to an Animal Control Officer 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 Saturday--5:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Sunday--All day
All holidays--24 hours

During emergency response hours, one Animal Control Officer is designated “on call” and will respond to health and safety related emergencies only. Citizens may request assistance by calling (804) 633-9041.

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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

Wildlife
Animal 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 Game Warden. The Game Warden may be reached at (804) 633-5400.

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. A certificate of vaccination 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

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