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Animal Protection Unit

Animal Protection Unit

Maintain vaccinations on domestic animals

County Ordinance requires that all domestic cats and dogs be vaccinated for rabies. Also remember: if you see any wildlife, leave it alone. If the animal appears to be aggressive or is acting strangely, contact Henrico Police immediately. Call 501-5000 or in emergency situations call 911.


Recent confirmed rabies reports in Henrico County
On Saturday, February 20, 2010, Animal Protection received a call for service in the 11000 block of Winfree Road for a dog killing a raccoon. When the Animal Protection Officer arrived they learned that a dog had killed a raccoon in its owner's front yard. The raccoon was submitted to the State Lab for testing. On the morning of Tuesday, February 23, 2010, positive test results were received. The dog that was exposed to the raccoon had a valid rabies vaccination. A forty-five day quarantine has already been enacted for the dog and the Health Department has ruled out any human exposures related to that particular incident. No other calls have been received associated with the raccoon in question.
On Friday, January 8, 2010, a call for service was received for a dog attacking a raccoon at 8440 Osborne Turnpike. When the officer arrived, he was advised that the complainant's dog (Brown and White Springer Spaniel) was barking at a hollowed out log when a raccoon ran out. The dog attacked and killed raccoon. The dog suffered a scratch above an eye, but it is unknown if the injury occurred during the attack. The raccoon was submitted to the State Lab for testing and positive results were received on Saturday January 9, 2010. The Health Department and dog's owner was notified. The dog had a valid vaccination, but will be quarantined at the owner's home. There were no other known exposures.

The Animal Protection Unit is comprised of highly trained supervisors, officers, and civilian staff members who provide the following services to Henrico County citizens:

Care to rescued animals
Rabies shots clinics four times annually
Animal rescue (abused, lost, or stray animals)
Education and training on the following topics:
- Pet owner pet care responsibility
- Pet owner civic responsibility
- Pet disease prevention and proactive health care
- Customized programs for your group or organization

HCTV 17 Public Safety Videos:

Friend In Need, A

Animal Shelter Hours:
Monday - Saturday 10:00AM - 4:30PM
Sunday - CLOSED
2010 Rabies Clinics
February 20, 2010     09:00 to 2:00PM
May 15, 2010            08:00 to 1:00PM
August 7, 2010          08:00 to 1:00PM
October 16, 2010       09:00 to 2:00PM

All clinics are at Richmond International Raceway, Gate 4. Vaccinations are $8.00 (cash only) and County dog licenses are available for $10.00