Animal Control
“Being born of the Human Race and not the Animal Kingdom does not give us more rights, it gives us more responsibilities”.
Author Unknown
Who We Are
The Tappahannock/Essex County Animal Shelter opened in July 2008. We have housed 4,381 dogs, 1,861 cats, 12 rabbits, 3 goats, 2 pigs, 6 chickens and 3 roosters since we opened. Most of these animals were stray. We have not euthanized since 2015. This is accomplished through a devoted staff that work diligently to facilitate animals being adopted and working with wonderful rescue partners.
Animal Related County Codes - Essex County has made all of its codes and ordinances available online through Municode. Click on the link below to access the section related to the ANIMALS chapter of the Code (Chapter 6).
View the animal section of Essex County's Code.
Our Mission
- To enforce the state laws and county and town ordinances pertaining to animal control and management
- To protect human and animal health and safety
- Educate the citizens of Essex County about responsible pet ownership and the importance of spay and neutering pets
- Reduce the numbers of unwanted pets
- Provide for the housing and care of homeless animals
- Coordinate their adoptions with rescue organizations and individuals.
We are proud professionals serving the people and animals of Essex County. Animal Care and Control assumes a unique position in the community. We must combine the activities of law enforcement which protects people and their interests, public health responsibilities that protect people from the dangers and diseases of animals, and humane and animal welfare which protects the animals.
