Animal Control

NORFOLK ANIMAL PROTECTION UNIT (APU)wing pole

Overview

Norfolk Animal Protection Unit is tasked with enforcing State and City codes pertaining to companion animal ownership and welfare. APU Humane Officers have the authority to issue summonses for violations, secure warrants, and seize animals. The Norfolk Animal Protection Unit has been protecting the people and animals of the city since 1960 and responds to several thousand calls for service each year.

If you would like to report a complaint, please call: Norfolk Police Non-Emergency number (757) 441-5610.

Unit Details

Norfolk APU is comprised of 7 Humane Officers and an APU Supervising Officer. They operate under the command of The Norfolk Police Department’s Special Enforcement Division. Humane Officers patrol the city from 9:30am to 6:30pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and one officer is on call for emergencies occurring after hours.

Calls for Service

Norfolk APU commonly address:

  • Animal Bites and Attacks
  • Dog Fighting Investigations
  • Facility Inspections
  • Rabies Vaccination and City
  • License Enforcement
  • Stray Companion Animals
  • Nuisance Complaints
  • Animal Cruelty Investigations
  • Exotic Animal Permitting

Lost Pets or Animal Adoption 

To report a missing pet or inquire about adopting, please contact: 

The Norfolk Animal Care & Adoption Center 

5585 Sabre Rd. 

Norfolk, VA 23502 

(757) 441-5505 

Link: NACC


Neighborhood and Feral Cats 

For information concerning cats, please refer to: 

The Hampton Roads Pet Recourse Guide 

Link: Hampton Roads Pet Resources Guide 


Wildlife 

To report issues concerning wildlife, please contact: 

Tidewater Wildlife Rescue: (757) 255-8710 

Wildlife Response: (757) 543-7000 

Wildlife/Conflict Hotline: (855) 571-9003