Animal Control Officers fall under the Sheriff's Office and enforce Virginia State laws, Amherst County, and Amherst Town ordinances that pertain to animals. In addition, Animal Control Officers are responsible for providing emergency services to the entire county and its towns 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Reporting an Incident: To report an animal incident, such as an animal bite, a dog running loose, an animal in distress, or a possible case of animal cruelty or neglect, please call Amherst County Dispatch at 434-946-9300.
Emergency Response Hours: Outside of regular business hours, an Animal Care and Control Officer is designated "On-Call" and will only respond to health and safety-related emergencies. Citizens may request assistance from the Animal Care and Control Officers by calling the Amherst County Dispatcher at 434-946-9300.
Services:
- Enforcement of state, county, and town laws dealing with domestic animals.
- Investigation of aminal attacks on humans, domestic animals, dangerous and vicious animals, reports of severe animal cruelty, dogs attacking livestock, and possible rabid animals, or possible human or animal exposure to wildlife when rabies is a concern.
- Investigations of animal cruelty.
- Removal of stray dogs from streets and public areas.
- Pick up stray animals from residences and businesses.
- Regulations and inspections of private and commercial kennels.
- Dog license enforcement.
- Rabies vaccination enforcement for dogs and cats.
