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 Randy Leonard-Animal Control Officer

Wendy Roberts-Asst. Animal Control Officer

Cynthia Case - Part Time Kennel Asst.

Office Hours:
Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - Saturday - 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Closed on Friday and Sunday

Appointments can be made upon request

The Amelia County Animal Shelter

The Amelia County Animal Shelter and Animal Control Office are located at the Joe H. Paulette Memorial Park (16565 Five Forks Road) in Amelia. With a staff of two full-time and one part-time employee the Animal Control Department utilizes a vast array of volunteers and volunteer groups to make the Amelia County Animal Shelter among the most efficient Public Shelters in the Commonwealth of Virginia at having animals adopted.

Consequently, in recent years, the Animal Control Department has become a multi faceted organization balancing citizen safety with animal protection. Last year Amelia housed approximately 1,500 animals, which is nearly three times the number of animals that were housed in 1996. However, by maintaining a high degree of excellence, care and concern for our animals and their ultimate adoption, we can proudly say that we have become one of the top shelters of rural Virginia.  Animal Control officers work closely with with County Law Enforcement to enforce state laws and county ordinances as they apply to domestic animals.

The shelter includes six (6) large dog runs, allowing us to house twelve (12) large dogs at one time.  The shelter also has a puppy room with stainless steel rolling cages.

We promote our animals being housed at the shelter on the radio, in the local paper and on the internet at www.petfinder.org to reunite them with their owners and, if not, to hopefully find a new appropriate home. Adopters find a friendly knowledgeable staff always willing to help. Adoptions can also be made by linking to www.apaw.org.

Due to public safety, animal safety and liability, we removed the red "drop box" from in front of the shelter which allowed citizens to drop animals off after hours. Now citizens wishing to rid themselves of unwanted animals, must call the shelter for a pick up or bring them in during regular business hours. This was necessary to protect citizens from the potential for serious injury from the often vicious animals, which were often left in the box.

News

Amelia Animal Shelter Receives Highest Rating Possible From State Posted on: 07/08/2011 02:59 PM

On June 3, 2011, the Amelia County Animal Shelter received the highest possible rating during a suprise inspection by the state veternairan's office.  The shelter scored 100% on the inspection.

Animal Control Officer, Randy Leonard, stated the rating indicates the shelter looked good and all the paperwork was in order.  The inspector also noted that the Amelia Shelter does more adoptions than most of the shelters in the state.  Officer Leonard stated that Amelia puts very few animals to sleep adding "We'd rather they go out the front door," meaning the animals be adopted.

Officer Leonard attributed the inspection results to the diligence of the shelter staff. 

Tony the Hound Flies to a New Home Posted on: 07/09/2010 02:31 PM

Hello,

            Well I am glad to report that we had a great trip back with Tony! Although I did have to make the decision to fly lower coming home because of the winds aloft, which made it a pretty bumpy ride back. That didn't sit too well with Heidi, but let me tell you that Tony did just great with it! He was an absolute pleasure to fly with for the entire 2 hour and 45 minute trek home. He slept for most of the way, despite the bumps, and he never got up or moved around at all except to reposition himself to get more comfortable. I could not have asked for a better dog, especially being out of the crate. He could have been a real problem not being restrained, but he was not AT ALL! In fact, he did better than our own hound would do unrestrained in the back seat! So please feel good in knowing that he was SUCH a good boy. And when we finally arrived, he ran straight to Emily as if he knew her and was very happy and excited. She fed him a bowl of food and he devoured it instantly, and he ate a Milk Bone, then he hopped in her SUV and off they went!

            It was a great experience for Heidi and I and a great feeling to know that I could help save a dog's life, and to help you and Emily, who have given so much, and whoever decides to give Tony a forever home. It gives me a sense of purpose for taking a plane up and going flying, other than just for my own personal enjoyment. I will most definitely be doing more rescue flights like yesterday's trip.

Sincerely,

Jason and Heidi

            What a heartwarming story! More information on this exciting animal rescue program can be found at www.pilotsnpaws.org. which is intended to be a meeting place for those who rescue, shelter or foster animals, and pilots and plane owners willing to assist with the transportation of animals.

Information

If you recently moved to Amelia County
Anyone who brings a dog or cat that has not been inoculated against rabies into the County, must have the animal inoculated by a currently licensed veterinarian within 30 days from when the animal enters the County. If the animal has a current inoculation, evidence of the inoculation must be available to the Animal Control Officers.

Dog Licenses
Any dog over four (4) months of age must have a dog license. Amelia County dogs must be licensed annually. A dog license consists of a receipt and a metal tag. The tag may be purchased from the Treasurer's Office at 9127 Washington Street, Amelia, Virginia 23002. The tag will be stamped with Amelia County, a serial number and the calendar year in which the dog tag is issued. Dog license receipts should be kept in a safe place and should be available for inspection upon request of an Animal Control Officer. The tag must be securely fastened to a substantial collar worn by the dog at all times. Any dog found loose in the County not wearing a county tag of the correct year, will be considered a stray and will be impounded by the Animal Control. Cats are not required to be licensed.

How to get a Dog License
You may obtain a dog license from the Treasurer's Office by furnishing a certification of rabies vaccination and paying the license fees. No tag will be issued unless there is proof that a licensed veterinarian has vaccinated the dog against rabies.

When are licenses due?
The licenses are available to be purchased any time after November 1 and must be purchased prior to January 31 for the coming year.

AMELIA COUNTY DOG LICENSE FEES

All citizens owning or kenneling dogs are required by Amelia County to license each animal with the Treasurer's office every year.  Owners of unlicensed canines will be fined by an Amelia County Animal Control Officer.

Dog licenses are on sale JANUARY 1st of each year.  Licenses are required by JANUARY 31st of each year.  Licenses may be purchased throughout the year for newly acquired animals.  Citizens must produce a current rabies certificate in the ORIGINAL form.  Rabies Certificate MUST state whether the dog has been spayed or neutered.   *Fees are subject to change annually.

License fees are as follows:

• Male/Female $10.00
• Spayed/Neutered $5.00
• Up to 20 dog kennel $35.00
• Up to 50 dog kennel $50.00
• Duplicate License $1.00

The County of Amelia (Animal Control Department) sponsors Rabies Vaccination Clinics twice a year.  One is held during the spring and the other in the fall.  Citizens are required to obtain vaccination and licenses for their animals, and enforcement of Amelia County ordinances pertaining to such will be exercised.

As a convenience to our citizens, the Treasurer's office is there giving you the option of purchasing your dog tags at the time of vaccination.

Why should you get your dog licensed, and be sure they wear the tag?

• Protect your dog, yourself, and your family from rabies
• Help your dog get home if lost
• Help protect your community from strays that may bite or destroy property.

AND....IT'S THE LAW!

Guide Dogs for the Blind, Deaf or Hearing-Impaired
No license is required for any dog that is trained and serves as a guide dog or hearing dog serving the blind, deaf or hearing impaired person.

Rabies Control
By law, dogs and cats that are four (4) months or older must be inoculated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. For more information regarding low cost rabies clinics, call 804-561-3878.

Dead Animal(s) Found on Public Roads
If unclaimed by the owner, dead animals are the responsibility of the Virginia Department of Transportation. Call 804-561-2411 to report such animal, giving an exact location for pick-up.

Animal Bites
All animal bites of human beings must be reported to the Amelia County Health Department at 804-561-2711 within 24 hours.

County Leash Laws

Amelia County does not have a countywide leash law. However, in the following portions of the County, dogs are prohibited to run at large: Genito Mills Estates, Section A & B, Winterham Estates and the Village area. A dog shall be deemed to run at large while, roaming, running or self-hunting off the property of its' owner or custodian and not under its' immediate control.

Dogs Running at Large
First try talking with the owner of the dog(s). Should the problem continue, contact the Animal Control Office to report the problem. The Animal Control Officer is unable by law to take any action unless he/she witness' the incident. The officer on patrol will log the information provided for future reference. Just because the officer cannot take immediate action does not mean that nothing can be done. You can take action by making an application for the violation of this section at the Magistrate's Office. All dogs bearing tags are not considered running at large unless in designated areas of the County which have a leash law, or the dogs are loose April 15th through May 15th.

April 15th to May 15th - Illegal Period for Dogs Running at Large
It shall be unlawful for any owner or custodian of any dog to allow any dog to run at large in the County of Amelia during the period of April 15th to May 15th of each calendar year. A dog shall be deemed to run at large while roaming, running or self-hunting off the property of the owner or custodian and not under the owner or custodian's immediate control.

Impounded Dogs

If your dog does not have identification, it will be kept for five (5) business days. If the dog has not been claimed at the end of five (5) days, the animal may be placed for adoption or otherwise disposed of. If the dog displays identification, the owner if possible will be notified of the impoundment and if no response, the animal may be placed for adoption or otherwise disposed of.  A $10.00 per day boarding fee will be assessed.

Animal Traps
The Animal Control Office has a limited number of small and large traps available for loan to property owners. These traps are loaned on a first come first serve basis.

Calls for Service
The calls for service are by time and date and prioritized. The calls are then handled according to priority first and then the order that they are received depending on the area of the county the officers are working.

Surrender of Animals
The Animal Shelter will accept dogs and cats from its owner at no charge. These animals must be brought to the shelter during regular shelter hours. All forms for the surrender are available at the shelter and must be completed before the animals can be accepted.

Animal Bites from Wildlife
Should you or your pet be bitten or scratched by a wild animal, report it immediately to the County Health Department at 804-561-2711 or call Animal Control at 804-561-3878. If you see a wild animal acting strangely, report it to the Animal Control Office, immediately. DO NOT APPROACH ANY WILD ANIMALS FOR ANY REASON!

Be a Responsible Pet Owner
Comply with the law and think about your neighbors. Make sure your pets' rabies vaccinations are up to date and that your pet has his county license attached to his collar. And remember, just because there is no leash law in the County doesn't mean that your neighbor wants your dog in his/her yard.

Emergency After Hours

Animal Control responds to calls after hours for emergencies only. It is an emergency if a domestic, farm, or wild animal is threatening the life or safety of a human. If an animal is injured and the owner can be located, then the care of the animal is the owner's responsibility. To report emergencies after hours, please call 804-561-2118 (Sheriff's Office).  For non-emergencies, Animal Control will respond no later than the next business day.

Spay and Neuter Program
A Low-Cost spay and neuter program is available to area reisdents and to individuals adopting from the Amelia Animal Shelter. The program is sponsored by the Amelia Patrons for Animal Welfare (A.P.A.W.) Group. Spay/Neuter forms may be obtained by clicking on the A.P.A.W. link below.

Links

• Amelia Patrons for Animal Welfare (A.P.A.W.)
• PetFinder