On Monday, the Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center closed to the public to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
NORFOLK, VA – You can meet your next date or even your one true human love online – why not your furry best friend?
On Monday, the Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center closed to the public to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The shelter suspended adoptions. During the weekend before the closure, residents of Hampton Roads stepped forward in a big way and adopted 50 animals. Remaining animals went home with foster families.
Some of those foster families have decided to permanently adopt, said NACC Bureau Manager Michelle Dosson. Adoptable animals continue to enter the shelter. To ensure that animals in NACC’s care continue to find loving homes, NACC will accept adoption applications by email and take credit card payments by phone for a $20 adoption promotion.
Haven’t met Mr. Right Dog, Ms. Right Cat, or Mx. Right Rabbit yet? We’re here to help. To ensure you and your fuzzbutt will be a match, NACC staff will provide “Virtual Meet and Greets” with photos, video clips, individual staff-written bios on every animal, and adoption counseling by email and phone. Counselors will provide information on appropriate ways to introduce animals to each other and to a new home. NACC will provide in-person meetings by appointment only with adoptable animals in an outdoor play yard at the shelter.
“You’ll have more support from us than from any dating app,” said Michelle Dosson, Norfolk Animal Care & Adoption Center Bureau Manager. “We want you to find the dog, cat or other animal that brings love and happiness to your home and your life.”
Not ready for that much commitment? Foster! NACC’s foster program allows anyone to take a shelter dog temporarily. NACC provides fosters with crates, food, and needed supplies. It gives dogs a break from the stresses of the shelter, and can provide an at-home, pre-adoption trial. It also allows NACC staff to manage space in the shelter. If you are interested in fostering, please contact Jennifer.Held@norfolk.gov .
Watch our website at www.norfolk.gov/nacc for photos of adoptable animals, and find pictures and video on our Facebook page. (Give us a like while you are there!) To adopt or foster, please call 757-441-5505, or email nacc@norfolk.gov with your interest and contact information and a member from our team will be in touch with you right away.
Looking for a lost pet? We’re your first stop. Reclaim fees have been waived through the end of the city closure. Current NACC Operational hours are:
Monday - Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
About Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center
The Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center is an open-admission shelter providing a safe haven for animals from the City of Norfolk. NACC’s efforts focus solely on local animals in need. Animals are never turned away, regardless of species, age, health, or temperament. The NACC cares for 400 to 600 animals each month, and more than 5,000 animals each year. For more information, visit https://www.norfolk.gov/260/Norfolk-Animal-Care-Center, call 757-441-5505 or visit 5585 Sabre Road, Norfolk VA 23502.