Shelter Comments

VA,Commonwealth of Virginia-all reporting entities

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2023

Virginia includes those animals on hand on January 1 as intakes, since they are in the system. Outside the area transfers are out of state. 456 agencies reporting. The number of births reflect those documented by 153 agencies.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 8411
Stray: 41,249
Seized: 2413
Bite cases: 766
Surrendered by owner: 29,242
Other intake: 2461, including 1579 confirmed births
Died in custody: 683
Other outgoing: 128
On hand Dec. 31: 8629
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 11,841
Stray: 39,641
Seized: 698
Bite cases: 273
Surrendered by owner: 35,370
Other intake: 3055, including 2383 confirmed births
Died in custody: 2752
Other outgoing: 1190
On hand Dec. 31: 11,774

 

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2022

Virginia includes those animals on hand on January 1 as intakes, since they are in the system. Outside the area transfers are out of state. 416 agencies reporting. The number of births reflect those documented by 137 agencies.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 6793
Stray: 37,943
Seized: 2824
Bite cases: 895
Surrendered by owner: 29,697
Other intake: 2631, including 1688 confirmed births
Died in custody: 624
Other outgoing: 199
On hand Dec. 31: 8046
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 10,676
Stray: 36,587
Seized: 583
Bite cases: 303
Surrendered by owner: 34,005
Other intake: 3298, including 2474 confirmed births
Died in custody: 2747
Other outgoing: 1027
On hand Dec. 31: 11,298

 

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2021

Virginia includes those animals on hand on January 1 as intakes, since they are in the system. Outside the area transfers are out of state. 456 agencies reporting. The number of births reflect those documented by 152 agencies.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 6198
Stray: 33,477
Seized: 1796
Bite cases: 1138
Surrendered by owner: 27,370
Other intake: 2763, including 1828 confirmed births
Died in custody: 707
Other outgoing: 129
On hand Dec. 31: 7412
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 9992
Stray: 35,122
Seized: 513
Bite cases: 411
Surrendered by owner: 33,695
Other intake: 2979, including 2419 confirmed births
Died in custody: 2656
Other outgoing: 955
On hand Dec. 31: 10,796

 

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2020

Virginia includes those animals on hand on January 1 as intakes, since they are in the system. Outside the area transfers are out of state. 457 agencies reporting. The number of births reflect those documented by 145 agencies.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 7585
Stray: 33,111
Seized: 2005
Bite cases: 996
Surrendered by owner: 26,959
Other intake: 2743, including 1974 births
Died in custody: 623
Other outgoing: 175
On hand Dec. 31: 6220
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 10,682
Stray: 32,231
Seized: 653
Bite cases: 450
Surrendered by owner: 33,384
Other intake: 2903 including 2217 births
Died in custody: 2255
Other outgoing: 509
On hand Dec. 31: 10,264

 

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2019

Virginia includes those animals on hand on January 1 as intakes, since they are in the system.  This is a summary of all 446 agencies reporting in Virginia.  The Other column on the incoming side include births.  There were at least 1621 puppies and 2223 kittens born in care.

Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 8193
Stray: 41,282
Seized: 2852
Bite cases: 943
Surrendered by owner: 32,482
Others in: 2407: 
Births: 1621
Died in custody: 750
Other outgoing: 198
On hand Dec. 31: 7513
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 10,138
Stray: 36,652
Seized: 770
Bite cases: 452
Surrendered by owner: 35,694
Others in: 3127
Births 2223
Died in custody: 2759
Other outgoing: 765
On hand Dec. 31: 10,424

 

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2018

Virginia includes those animals on hand on January 1 as intakes, since they are in the system.  This is a summary of all 448 agencies reporting in Virginia.  Included in the number for Other on the incoming side include births.  There were at least 1395 puppies and 1581 kittens born in care.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 7691
Stray: 42987
Seized: 2209
Bite cases: 1046
Surrendered by owner: 32679
Other: 2971: 1422 are confirmed births
Died in custody: 623
Other outgoing: 232
On hand Dec. 31: 8219
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 10005
Stray: 35566
Seized: 578
Bite cases: 472
Surrendered by owner: 35885
Other: 2091: 1595 are confirmed births
Died in custody: 2767
Other outgoing: 570
On hand Dec. 31: 10134

 

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2014

375 shelters/rescues reporting.
It is important to note that in all graphs dealing with Virginia, "outside the area" means out of state.  Over time, the numbers in the “Others” column has shown increased activity.  We asked for clarification from VDACS and have learned that 58 shelters and rescues are responsible for 1083 births and 8597 imports from other states.  This is by no means complete, since we did not inquire about all of the facilities that reported in that column.  Details on births below; imports have been included in the Transfers In/Outside the Area.

375 agencies reporting.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 7272
Stray: 48752
Seized: 3302
Bite cases: 1277
Surrendered by owner: 34628
Others: 9474 includes 760 births
Died in facility: 819
Miscellaneous: 88
On hand Dec. 31: 7319
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 9807
Stray: 38700
Seized: 911
Bite cases: 518
Surrendered by owner: 37243
Others: 3685 includes 323 births
Died in facility: 2206
Miscellaneous: 151
On hand Dec. 31: 9112

 

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2015

It is important to note that in all graphs dealing with Virginia, "outside the area" means out of state. There were 426 shelters and rescues reporting.  Over time, the numbers in the “Others” column have shown increased activity.  We asked for clarification from VDACS and have learned that 84 shelters and rescues are responsible for 1226 births and 13207 imports from other states.  This is by no means complete, since we did not inquire about all of the facilities that reported in that column.  Details on births below; imports have been included in the Transfers In/Outside the Area.

429 agencies reporting.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 7796
Stray: 46244
Seized: 2547
Bite cases: 1234
Surrendered by owner: 33047
Others: 12233 includes at least 842 births
Died in facility: 671
Miscellaneous: 45
On hand Dec. 31: 7589
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 9189
Stray: 40452
Seized: 621
Bite cases: 568
Surrendered by owner: 36745
Others: 5032 includes at least 384 births
Died in facility: 2417
Miscellaneous: 148
On hand Dec. 31: 9483

 

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2012

It is important to note that in all graphs dealing with Virginia, "outside the area" means out of state. Over time, the numbers in the “Others” column have shown increased activity.  We asked for clarification from VDACS and have learned that 47 shelters and rescues are responsible for 377 births and 1659 imports from other states.  This is by no means complete, since we did not inquire about all of the facilities that reported in that column.  Details on births below; imports have been included in the Transfers In/Outside the Area.

332 agencies reporting.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 6933
Stray: 56767
Seized: 3680
Bite cases: 1543
Surrendered by owner: 36542
Others: 6986 includes 128 births
Died in facility: 914
Miscellaneous: 107
On hand Dec. 31: 6808
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 9447
Stray: 48267
Seized: 871
Bite cases: 845
Surrendered by owner: 42389
Others: 3064 includes 249 births
Died in facility: 3414
Miscellaneous: 338
On hand Dec. 31: 9522

 

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2011

It is important to note that in all graphs dealing with Virginia, "outside the area" means out of state.  There were 318 shelters and rescues reporting.  Over time, the numbers in the “Others” column have shown increased activity.  We asked for clarification from VDACS and have learned that 36 shelters and rescues are responsible for 660 births and 4279 imports from other states.  This is by no means complete, since we did not inquire about all of the facilities that reported in that column.  Details on births below; imports have been included in the Transfers In/Outside the Area.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 6887
Stray: 54116
Seized: 5070
Bite cases: 1508
Surrendered by owner: 37635
Others: 4662 includes 297 births
Died in facility: 903
Miscellaneous: 118
On hand Dec. 31: 6778
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 8350
Stray: 46638
Seized: 1636
Bite cases: 698
Surrendered by owner: 43089
Others: 2592 includes 363 births
Died in facility: 2949
Miscellaneous: 140
On hand Dec. 31: 8452

 

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2010

It is important to note that in all graphs dealing with Virginia, "outside the area" means out of state. There were 286 shelters and rescues reporting.  Over time, the numbers in the “Others” column have shown increased activity.  We asked for clarification from VDACS and have learned that 28 shelters and rescues are responsible for 882 births and 5057 imports from other states.  This is by no means complete, since we did not inquire about all of the facilities that reported in that column.  Details on births below; imports have been included in the Transfers In/Outside the Area.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 7017
Stray: 58788
Seized: 4634
Bite cases: 1566
Surrendered by owner: 40783
Others: 5817 includes 435 births
Died in facility: 984
Miscellaneous: 170
On hand Dec. 31: 7029
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 8469
Stray: 48642
Seized: 1700
Bite cases: 771
Surrendered by owner: 44124
Others: 2664 includes 447 births
Died in facility: 2713
Miscellaneous: 286
On hand Dec. 31: 8622

 

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2009

Please note that 2004 was the first year reporting was done online, and there was a significant dip in compliance.  Only 190 shelters reported, compared with 251 in 2005.  Two hundred forty-two shelters and rescues reporting.  Over time, the numbers in the “Others” column have shown increased activity.  We asked for clarification from VDACS and have learned that 24 shelters and rescues are responsible for 641 births and 3705 imports from other states.  This is by no means complete, since we did not inquire about all of the facilities that reported in that column.  Details on births below; imports have been included in the Transfers In/Outside the Area.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 5855
Stray: 55070
Seized: 3859
Bite cases: 1344
Surrendered by owner: 38448
Others:4107 includes 294 births
Died in facility:807
Miscellaneous: 73
On hand Dec. 31:5947
Cats
On hand Jan. 1:7088
Stray: 46595
Seized: 1082
Bite cases: 700
Surrendered by owner: 46414
Others:2917 includes 347 births
Died in facility:2741
Miscellaneous: 204
On hand Dec. 31: 8009

 

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2008

Two hundred seventy-three shelters and rescues reporting.  Over time, the numbers in the “Others” column have shown increased activity.  We asked for clarification from VDACS and have learned that 17 shelters and rescues are responsible for 356 births and 2833 imports from other states.  This is by no means complete, since we did not inquire about all of the facilities that reported in that column.  Details on births below; imports have been included in the Transfers In/Outside the Area.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 6009
Stray: 63369
Seized: 4977
Bite cases: 1886
Surrendered by owner: 45012
Others: 5568 includes 186 births
Died in facility: 1054
Miscellaneous: 110
On hand Dec. 31: 6290
Cats
On hand Jan. 1:7016
Stray: 52226
Seized:1393
Bite cases: 881
Surrendered by owner: 53432
Others: 7533 includes 170 births
Died in facility: 2519
Miscellaneous: 269
On hand Dec. 31: 7934

 

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2007

Two hundred sixty-eight shelters and rescues reporting.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1:5456
Stray: 63864
Seized: 3667
Bite cases: 1879
Surrendered by owner: 44599
Others: 4967
Died in facility: 966
Miscellaneous: 227
On hand Dec. 31: 5873
Cats
On hand Jan. 1:6475
Stray: 48809
Seized: 810
Bite cases: 1076
Surrendered by owner: 53545
Others:7238
Died in facility:2114
Miscellaneous: 439
On hand Dec. 31: 7042

 

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2006

Two hundred sixty-two shelters and rescues reporting.  Over time, the numbers in the “Others” column have shown increased activity.  We asked for clarification from VDACS and have learned that 8 shelters and rescues are responsible for 226 births and 854 imports from other states.  This is by no means complete, since we did not inquire about all of the facilities that reported in that column.  Details on births below; imports have been included in the Transfers In/Outside the Area.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 5404
Stray: 69513
Seized: 5472
Bite cases: 1782
Surrendered by owner: 45369
Others: 4399 includes 108 births
Died in facility:1081
Miscellaneous: 824
On hand Dec. 31: 5415
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 5452
Stray: 49522
Seized: 846
Bite cases: 1145
Surrendered by owner: 55507
Others:6705 includes 118 births
Died in facility:2004
Miscellaneous: 1088
On hand Dec. 31: 6443

 

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2005

Two hundred fifty-one shelters and rescues reporting.  Over time, the numbers in the “Others” column have shown increased activity.  We asked for clarification from VDACS and have learned that 6 shelters and rescues are responsible for 240 births and 80 imports from other states.  This is by no means complete, since we did not inquire about all of the facilities that reported in that column.  Details on births below; imports have been included in the Transfers In/Outside the Area.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1:4987
Stray: 69205
Seized: 4291
Bite cases: 2486
Surrendered by owner: 45572
Others: 4404 includes 81 births
Died in facility:1083
Miscellaneous: 685
On hand Dec. 31:4969
Cats
On hand Jan. 1:4742
Stray: 45820
Seized:1278
Bite cases: 1293
Surrendered by owner: 61210
Others:6839 includes 159 births
Died in facility:2211
Miscellaneous: 1439
On hand Dec. 31: 5589

 

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2004

One hundred ninety shelters and rescues reporting.  Over time, the numbers in the “Others” column have shown increased activity.  We asked for clarification from VDACS and have learned that 2 shelters and rescues are responsible for 142 births and zero imports from other states.  This is by no means complete, since we did not inquire about all of the facilities that reported in that column.  Details on births below.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 3560
Stray: 62071
Seized: 3963
Bite cases: 2860
Surrendered by owner: 37942
Others: 4081 includes 81 births
Sold: 804
Died in facility:1976
Miscellaneous: 564
On hand Dec. 31: 3962
Cats
 On hand Jan. 1: 3656
Stray: 38086
Seized: 931
Bite cases: 1262
Surrendered by owner: 49397
Others: 6864 includes 61 births
Sold: 346
Died in facility:1976
Miscellaneous: 655
On hand Dec. 31: 3779

 

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2013

It is important to note that in all graphs dealing with Virginia, "outside the area" means out of state.  Over time, the numbers in the “Others” column has shown increased activity.  We asked for clarification from VDACS and have learned that 57 shelters and rescues are responsible for 985 births and 8451 imports from other states.  This is by no means complete, since we did not inquire about all of the facilities that reported in that column.  Details on births below; imports have been included in the Transfers In/Outside the Area.

375 agencies reporting.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 7169
Stray: 51806
Seized: 3410
Bite cases: 1454
Surrendered by owner: 3567
Others: 7837 includes 620 births
Died in facility: 1009
Miscellaneous: 73
On hand Dec. 31: 7152
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 9566
Stray: 44334
Seized: 1107
Bite cases: 762
Surrendered by owner: 39240
Others: 3930 includes 365 births
Died in facility: 3170
Miscellaneous: 333
On hand Dec. 31: 9767

 

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2016

Traditionally, Virginia has offered specific details for cities, counties, humane societies, and rescue groups when evaluating statewide totals.  Starting in 2016, they now categorize them as Animal Control Officer Field Report, Public Animal Shelter, Private Animal Shelter, and Home-based Rescue Group.  We will create new pages to provide the best current information.

408 agencies reporting.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 7516
Stray: 44,454
Seized: 2139
Bite cases: 1110
Surrendered by owner: 32,173
Births: 1279
Died in facility: 658
Other outgoing: 132
On hand Dec. 31: 6945
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 9587
Stray: 40,458
Seized: 818
Bite cases: 497
Surrendered by owner: 36,156
Births: 1381
Died in facility: 2357
Other outgoing: 245
On hand Dec. 31: 9170

 

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2017

439 agencies reporting.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 7149
Stray: 43637
Seized: 1812
Bite cases: 993
Surrendered by owner: 32347
Births: 1678 confirmed
Died in facility: 772
Other outgoing: 218
On hand Dec. 31: 7651
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 9214
Stray: 36826
Seized: 561
Bite cases: 437
Surrendered by owner: 35860
Births: 1735 confirmed
Died in facility: 2370
Other outgoing: 344
On hand Dec. 31: 9831

 

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2003

Shelters reporting dogs are 206, reporting cats are 189.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 5111
Stray: 75465
Seized: 4607
Bite cases: 3315
Surrendered by owner: 42958
Others: 7123
Died in facility: 3947
Miscellaneous: 781
On hand Dec. 31: 5522
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 3539
Stray: 48745
Seized: 1304
Bite cases: 1376
Surrendered by owner: 56023
Others: 6846
Died in facility: 2007
Miscellaneous: 497
On hand Dec. 31: 4234

 

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2002

Dogs reported from 219 shelters, cats from 202.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1: 3957
Stray: 79301
Seized:4012
Bite cases: 1782
Surrendered by owner: 45142
Others: 4685
Died in facility: 1694
Miscellaneous: 687
On hand Dec. 31:4595
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 3580
Stray:44835
Seized: 848
Bite cases: 1153
Surrendered by owner: 48375
Others: 4067
Died in facility: 1707
Miscellaneous: 848
On hand Dec. 31: 4074

 

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2001

Dogs reported from 215 shelters, cats from 198.
Dogs
On hand Jan. 1:4699
Stray:79204
Seized:3841
Bite cases: 2193
Surrendered by owner: 46678
Others: 3717
Died in facility: 2548
Miscellaneous: 2091
On hand Dec. 31: 9621
Cats
On hand Jan. 1: 3232
Stray:47368
Seized:886
Bite cases: 1428
Surrendered by owner: 51913
Others:1956
Died in facility:1490
Miscellaneous: 421
On hand Dec. 31: 9787

 

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2000

Source is the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  Dogs reported from 190 shelters, cats from 178.

Dogs
On hand Jan. 1:3600
Stray:81128
Seized:4123
Bite cases: 2095
Surrendered by owner: 45893
Others:1568
Died in facility:2138
Miscellaneous: 435
On hand Dec. 31:5290
Cats
On hand Jan. 1:2666
Stray:50764
Seized:1040
Bite cases: 1541
Surrendered by owner: 48098
Others:1626
Died in facility:1312
Miscellaneous: 298
On hand Dec. 31: 3767