Pet-Friendly Shelters

Location

The pet-friendly shelters are located at the Bayview Recreation Center and Berkley Community Center. Pets and emotional support animals will not be permitted at other shelters within the Norfolk City limits. Service animals are permitted at all shelters.

Our Pet Trailer (received through Urban Area Security Initiative / Homeland Security Grant funds) is equipped with supplies to mobilize and manage pet shelter operations. Equipment includes:

  • Cages of all sizes
  • Equipment for registration of the pets
  • Kits
  • Tarps

Note: Owners are responsible for taking care of their own pets, including providing food and medications, feeding, and walking their animals.

Pets That Will Be Accepted at the Norfolk Pet-Shelter

Norfolk's Pet-Friendly Shelter will be available for domestic animals only, such as dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, rodents, or turtles that are traditionally kept in the home for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes, can travel in commercial carriers, and be housed in temporary facilities. These pet-friendly shelters also satisfy the requirements of the PETS Act.

Household pets do not include:

  • Amphibians
  • Animals kept for racing purposes
  • Farm animals (including horses)
  • Fish
  • Insects / arachnids
  • Reptiles (except turtles)

Pet Preparation Tips

  • Plan for your pet well in advance if you live in an evacuation area. Write down your plan or create a check list.
  • Take your pet when you evacuate. Know your evacuation route and when you will evacuate.
  • Ask friends or family living outside of evacuation areas if they can keep your pet.
  • Make sure you have a collar and leash for keeping your pet under control.
  • Keep a pet carrier (portable kennel) for each pet – one that allows your pet to stand and turn around. The carrier should be marked with your pet's identification.
  • Make sure all your pet's vaccinations are current and have proof available of its current city issued tag and rabies vaccination.
  • Pack supplies for your pet including current veterinary records, a two-week supply of food and water, medications with instructions, bowls, favorite toy and blanket, cat litter/pan, plastic bags, collar/leash, disinfectants to handle pet wastes and a current photo of you with your pet.
  • If you must use a kennel as a last resort, make sure it is not in an evacuation zone and reserve space as soon as possible. Kennels require proof of vaccinations.
  • Make sure your pet has proper identification with either a collar tag or a microchip implant.
  • Have proof of current rabies vaccination available. A license is your pet's ticket home.