Harrisonburg Animal Care & Control

Harrisonburg Animal Care & Control If you have questions or need to make a report, please contact us at (540) 437.2671 or [email protected]
~ THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT ~

The Animal Care & Control division of the Harrisonburg Police Department is responsible for enforcing Virginia’s Comprehensive Animal Laws, as well as the local ordinances relating to domestic animals. One of the goals of the department is to identify public safety issues and work directly with the community members on their animal issues and pet care concerns. The Animal Control Officers also act

as a liaison to and with the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA. We are in somewhat of a unique position, as we contract with The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA for the kenneling of our intakes. In many areas, the ACO's are responsible for the daily care of the animals that they impound, as well as facilitating reclaims and adoptions. At the end of the holding period required by law, all animal received from the City are transferred to them. The Animal Care & Control office handles approximately 2000 calls for service, 1500 requests for information and impounds approximately 400 domestic animals annually. We employ one civilian ACO and a cross-trained police officer/animal control officer. We have two vehicles, a special purpose Ford F-150 with a box in the bed for cages and equipment, and a Ford van equipped with transport cages, is also assigned to Animal Care & Control.

06/04/2026

As temperatures rise, more people across the Valley may begin to see an increase in wildlife, even in their own neighborhoods.

This momma’s ducklings fell down a window well downtown. While Officer Bechtel was fishing them out, momma was providing...
05/09/2026

This momma’s ducklings fell down a window well downtown. While Officer Bechtel was fishing them out, momma was providing loud commentary from nearby. They were all reunited and walked off…down the middle of the street.

This little guy was found off of Central Ave. He has one eye, an underbite, and was being bullied by a cat (ten points t...
05/09/2026

This little guy was found off of Central Ave. He has one eye, an underbite, and was being bullied by a cat (ten points to Animal Control if his name is Lucky). He parked himself on Officer Bechtel and stayed there until arriving at the RHSPCA.

This little one was found in the area of Virginia Avenue and Mount Clinton Pike. It clung to Officer Bechtel and then di...
04/29/2026

This little one was found in the area of Virginia Avenue and Mount Clinton Pike. It clung to Officer Bechtel and then didn’t let go until he was dropped off at the Wildlife Center. The area was checked, but no other little ones were found and the mother was found to have passed away. While on the way to the Wildlife Center, Officer Bechtel was the closest officer to a disorderly conduct call for service. Upon responding, he informed them: “be careful, this is my attack opossum”. There were no further issues.

This little fox appeared to be sick or injured, and was taken to the Wildlife Center for treatment.
04/28/2026

This little fox appeared to be sick or injured, and was taken to the Wildlife Center for treatment.

This little fellow was found on the ground near downtown, and is now at the RHSPCA.
04/28/2026

This little fellow was found on the ground near downtown, and is now at the RHSPCA.

This friendly kitty climbed into someone’s vehicle while they were cleaning it out near Chicago Ave and then wouldn’t ge...
04/25/2026

This friendly kitty climbed into someone’s vehicle while they were cleaning it out near Chicago Ave and then wouldn’t get out until Officer Bechtel picked it up. It is waiting at the RHSPCA.

This duck was found injured up the street from where the ducklings were picked up yesterday. Based off a post that was m...
04/25/2026

This duck was found injured up the street from where the ducklings were picked up yesterday. Based off a post that was made about a duck being injured in the vicinity, the timing of the duckling calls, and the proximity of the injured duck and ducklings, it is likely the mother of the ducklings. She has also been taken to the Wildlife Center.

These ducklings were found abandoned by their mother. They were transported to the Wildlife Center for treatment.
04/24/2026

These ducklings were found abandoned by their mother. They were transported to the Wildlife Center for treatment.

04/15/2026

This week is National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week!

We have two animal control officers at HPD, Joey VanOrden and Geoff Behtel. They make sure our four legged, flying, slithering, waddling, and burrowing community members stay safe and out of harm's way! We are thankful for their care and passion for the animals of the city, and want to say thank you!

We appreciate you!

Address

Harrisonburg Public Safety Building
Harrisonburg, VA
22802

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