Nearly everything Animal Control does starts with the public reporting a problem, a condition, or a danger. So if you see something, say something – call Animal Control.
Staffing
Hampton has eight animal control officers – including one officer who also serves as the administrator. Animal Control responds to as many as 1,200 citizen calls or contacts a month. More than half may call for a physical response by an officer. Their response time will vary depending on call backlog, the nature of the call, and the number of officers available. By staggering assigned hours, at least two officers are available from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on weekdays (four on Thursday) and from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends.
Priorities & Response Time
To provide the best service, animal control has a list of priorities that determine how calls are ranked:
Question of life or serious injury to humans or animals
Serious situations that, while not life-threatening, call for immediate attention
Situations that will require attention and resolution by Animal Control
Keep those guidelines in mind when calling Animal Control. A dog running loose on I-64 in a panic is more of an immediate concern than a dog ambling down a residential street wagging his tail. If you call Animal Control you need to ask yourself:
Is there an immediate danger to human or animal?
Will a delay in action make the situation worse?
Is there a way that I can help while waiting for Animal Control?
Is this an issue with long term impact?
Is this a situation Animal Control should be aware of?
Is this something that should be brought to the attention of the Animal Control Advisory Committee – the citizens’ voice to Hampton City Council.
Remember that Animal Control can only respond to calls, and is not an active patrol or enforcement department. To speak to Animal Control, to report a situation, or to request service, call 727–6111, Option 1.
More Information
For general questions call the Citizen Contact Center at 3-1-1 (727-8311 from a cell phone or from outside the city). Send postal mail to: Attention: Hampton Animal Control 40 Lincoln Street Hampton, VA 23669
To learn about city code regarding animals, including adequate care, shelter, and the qualifications and training needed by an animal control officer, visit Municode website.