If you are missing your animal, please contact the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center (SVASC) and use the "Stray Search" link.  Photos are updated as animals are brought into the facility. 

Learn more on SVASC's website about how to reclaim your pet.

Animals that have been at SVASC for five days without a collar or ten days with a collar will be made available to the public for adoption.

Stray animals that are picked up by Animal Control are taken to the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center (SVASC).

Animal Control will not pick up cats. Concerned residents may deliver stray cats and any found animals to SVASC.   

SVASC contact information:

https://svasc.net/
540-943-5142

Between the hours of 8am-5pm, Monday – Friday, animal control officers can help collect stray dogs or domesticated animals. 

Found animals or Non-emergency Questions

Augusta County Residents:  

540-245-5635   |  Monday–Friday, 8 am-4 pm

Staunton Residents:                 

540-332-3842   |  Calls are received 24 hours a day, 7 days per week

Waynesboro Residents:          

540-942-6701  |  Calls are received 24 hours a day, 7 days per week

Summons to appear in General District Court may also be issued with fines ranging up to $250 per violation plus court costs.

Barking dogs are included in the county ordinance that addresses unnecessary noises. Prolonged or frequent barking or howling, especially after midnight, is considered to be a nuisance and is against county code.  

We encourage you to first talk to your neighbor. If the barking does not stop, you can present evidence and make an affidavit to the Augusta County Magistrate. 

Magistrate Office Locations:

District Courts Building
6 East Johnson Street
Staunton, VA 24401
540.245.5346

Augusta County Sheriff’s Office
127 Lee Highway
Verona, VA 24482
540.245.5330

Middle River Regional Jail
350 Technology Drive
Staunton, VA 24401
540.245.5420

Section 15-11 of the Augusta County Code indicates penalties and violations.  All fines are to be paid at the District Court Clerks Office located in the District Courts Building, 6 East Johnson Street, Staunton, VA  24401.

Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries Helpline: 855-571-9003

www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/nuisance/

If a resident has a nuisance animal they want trapped, visit the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website.  Included on their website is list of local licensed trappers.

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries – Local Office

17 Lee Highway |  P.O. Box 996
Verona, VA  24482
540.248.9360

Wildlife and Rabies 

Should you get bitten by a wild animal that you suspect is rabid, you can request assistance from the animal control department at 540.245.5635.  

If you or your pet is attacked or bitten by a wild or domestic animal, you should also contact the Virginia Department of Health, 540.332.7830. They will help determine whether to test an animal for rabies. 

According to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, nuisance animals are very adaptable to urban areas.  Although they are nocturnal, they are sometimes seen during the day. The majority of time they are looking for food. Urban areas provide a host of opportunities for food.

Just because nocturnal animals are seen during the day, it does not mean the animal has rabies.  Just because an animal appears sick, does not mean it has rabies. Distemper is very common.  It can be hard to distinguish between the two.

Signs of rabies includes muscle tremors, paralysis and excessive salivation, as well as aggressive behavior.

Signs of distemper include runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, excessive salivation, coughing and/or labored breathing. If an animal appears sick, do not approach the animal. If you come into contract with a live or dead animal and feel they may have been exposed to rabies, contact the Virginia Department of Health to report. 

Staunton-Augusta Health Department: 540-332-7830