The Animal Care & Control division of the Harrisonburg Police Department is responsible for enforcing Virginia’s Comprehensive Animal Laws, as well as the local ordinances relating to domestic animals. One of the goals of the department is to identify public safety issues and work directly with the community members on their animal issues and pet care concerns. The Animal Control Officers also act as a liaison to and with the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA. We are in somewhat of a unique position, as we contract with The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA for the kenneling of our intakes. In many areas, the ACO's are responsible for the daily care of the animals that they impound, as well as facilitating reclaims and adoptions. At the end of the holding period required by law, all animal received from the City are transferred to them. The Animal Care & Control office handles approximately 2000 calls for service, 1500 requests for information and impounds approximately 400 domestic animals annually. We employ one civilian ACO and a cross-trained police officer/animal control officer. We have two vehicles, a special purpose Ford F-150 with a box in the bed for cages and equipment, and a Ford van equipped with transport cages, is also assigned to Animal Care & Control.
