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1. How do I get in touch with an Animal Control Officer?

You may contact the Animal Control Officers through Dispatch at (540) 672-1200. Animal Control Officers are frequently in the field dealing with a situation and it is normally best to call the Sheriff's Office to contact them.

2. Who do I contact if I lose my dog or cat?

You can contact the Sheriff's Office and report the loss to an Animal Control Officer but we suggest that you also contact the Animal Shelter at (540) 672-1124 to make a report. If you live in an area of Orange County that borders a neighboring county, you should call the animal shelter for that county as well to make a report.

3. My dog needs dog tags. Where can I go to purchase them?

Effective September 12, 2017, the Board of Supervisors amended the ordinance to issue lifetime dog licenses (dog tags). All dogs four (4) months and up are required to have an Orange County Tag. Tags are available all year at the Treasurer’s Office and at the Orange County Animal Shelter.

4. I have some wildlife that is causing a nuisance. Who do I call?

Animal Control Officers are trained to deal with domestic animals, not wildlife. If you have a problem with bears in your yard, deer eating your garden, or raccoons getting into your garbage, you can call the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries at (800) 237-5712 or call the Sheriff's Office and we will put you in contact with the local Conservation Police Officer. If wildlife is in your house or an immediate danger to life or limb, call the Sheriff's Office and we will send someone to help you.

5. What do I do if I see feral dogs or cats in Orange County?

Call the Sheriff's Office and report the sightings to our Animal Control Officers. We will attempt to trap feral dogs as they are seen but feral cats are a different matter. The matter of feral cats will be dealt with on a case by case basis depending on the circumstances.