THE ANIMAL CONTROL AGENCY IN YOUR COMMUNITY WILL: Operate shelter and adoption programs, to protect and find homes for unwanted animals. License animals to help identify and aid in the return of lost pets. Enforce ordinances, such as leash laws, laws governing vaccinations and humane treatment. Cruelty Investigations.

If You Must Give Up Your Pet Pets belonging to citizens of Suffolk can be surrendered at Suffolk Animal Care Center. There is no minimum or maximum number of days your pet can stay at their shelter; however, living at a shelter long-term is not a humane way to treat any pet.

All dogs and cats shall be deemed personal property and may be the subject of larceny and malicious or unlawful trespass. Owners, as defined in § 3.2-6500, may maintain any action for the killing of any such animals, or injury thereto, or unlawful detention or use thereof as in the case of other personal property.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is responsible for the Commonwealth's animal control, care and welfare mandates, as well as animal disease control, prevention and diagnostics.