Salem Animal Shelter

Animal Control Information

Our Staff consists of an Animal Control Police Lieutenant, 2 Senior Animal Control Police Officers, 2 Animal Control Police Officers, an Animal Shelter Manager, 2 full-time shelter workers, 5 part-time kennel workers, and a part-time custodian.  Please feel free to call, visit, or email anytime if you have any animal related questions. 

Local Regulations | Area Animal Control Divisions

Overview of Regulations Concerning Animals in Salem

Please see the City Code for complete Animal Control Regulations for Salem, Virginia.

Licenses - All dogs are to be licensed in Salem by January 31 of each year, and you are required to produce a current rabies certificate to obtain the license. Licenses can be obtained at the City of Salem Treasurer's Office located at 114 North Broad Street in Salem. Cat licensure is not required; however, rabies vaccinations are required.

License fees for dogs are as follows:

• Male Dog - $10
• Female Dog - $10
  

Unsexed Dog (successfully spayed or neutered) - $3 Kennel for 20 dogs or less - $15 Kennel for over 20 dogs - $25

Special Note: If you have a dog that has been deemed dangerous by any General District Court or Circuit Court of the State, you must pay an additional $50 over and above the regular license fee.

Overpopulation of Cats and Dogs - Overpopulation of cats and dogs is a major problem in Salem as well as the entire nation. When pet owners do not have their pets spayed or neutered and they are allowed to reproduce at will, the birth rates are so high that there is absolutely no possible way that there will ever be enough homes for them. Please work with us to try to reduce the numbers of cats and dogs that have to be put to sleep each and every year--have your pet altered.

Parks and School Facilities - Dogs, cats, and other animals are not allowed in city parks or school facilities.

Proper Pet Care - Salem Animal Control encourages parents to teach their children to be safe with pets and how to care for them. Animals must be properly cared for at all times with proper food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. If you see a violation, please report it to Salem Animal Control because the animal's life depends on it.

Running-at-Large - The boundary line of each lot of tract of land is the lawful fence for any horse, mule, cattle, hog, sheep or goat. It is unlawful for the owner or manager of any such animal to permit it to run-at-large beyond the boundaries where the animal is confined. Any person violating this law is subject to a fine of up to $250. All dogs must not be allowed to run-at-large even if they have their rabies vaccination and city tags. Cats do not have to be kept under restraint; however, pet owners are responsible for their pet's actions.

Stray Dogs - A stray dog is one that is not known to you that you know does not belong in your neighborhood. Call the Salem Police Department to report the dog; don't wait until it chases your children or bites one of them.

Vaccinations - All dogs and cats four months of age or older are required to be vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian licensed by the state.

Zoning Regulations - Ownership of more than three cats and more than three dogs per family is prohibited in any residential district.

Bites from Animals - Every year people in the City of Salem are bitten by animals and most are children. In most cases, medical treatment is required. In all cases, the possibility of rabies transmission is seriously considered. All animal bites of human beings must be reported to Salem Animal Control (375-3038) or the Salem Police Department (375-3078) immediately.

Cruelty to Animals - The Code of Virginia prohibits cruelty to animals and provides that anyone violating this section shall be guilty of a Class I Misdemeanor. Don't hesitate to report any violation--the animal deserves your help!

Dead Animals - The owner of any animal or grown fowl that has died from disease should properly cremate or bury the animal forthwith. If an animal is unclaimed by the owner (as in the case of pets hit by cars), these dead animals are the responsibility of the Salem Streets and General Maintenance Department. Call 375-3039 to report such an animal, giving a location for pickup and proper disposal.

Female Dogs in Season - Every female dog in season must be properly confined.

Impoundment - If your dog does not have a collar or license, it will be held for five days starting with the day after impoundment. If it has not been claimed at the end of the holding period, the animal may be placed up for adoption or disposed of at the discretion of the City. Dogs with collars or licenses will be held an additional five days. Every effort is made to return the animal to its home.

Area Animal Control Agencies