Chesapeake Animal Control Unit

The Chesapeake Animal Services Unit operates under the umbrella of the Police Department and is staffed by 11 officers, an animal control officers supervisor and one superintendent. They enforce the State and City codes pertaining to animals and their ownership. They have the authority to issue summonses for violations, to secure warrants and to seize animals. Shelter support staff consists of 1 animal care supervisor, 7 shelter attendants, and 3 office assistants. Further support is provided by dedicated volunteers. Animal Control Officers are on duty from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 7 days per week, answering complaints such as cruelty, animal bites, license and vaccination checks as well as stray, nuisance, vicious, injured or sick animals. Two officers are assigned to an evening shift from 1:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and one of these is on call for emergencies ONLY after the end of that shift, until 8 a.m. the next morning.