Norfolk Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this Norfolk Animal Shelter guide before visiting Norfolk Animal Care Center, also known as NACC, in Norfolk, Virginia. This page explains adoption viewing hours, administrative hours, address, phone number, dog and cat adoption fees, animal-control routing, lost and found pets, owner surrender appointments, pet food pantry help, licensing, spay/neuter resources, foster programs, map directions and official city links.
Most people searching “Norfolk animal shelter” want one of five things: adopt a pet, find a lost pet, report an animal-control issue, surrender a pet, or get help keeping a pet at home. The guide below separates those search intents so you can take the right action instead of only reading a basic directory listing.
Norfolk Animal Shelter Quick Details
These details help with the common search intents: “Norfolk animal shelter hours,” “Norfolk animal shelter phone number,” “Norfolk Animal Care Center adoption,” “Norfolk animal control,” “lost pets Norfolk VA,” and “surrender dog or cat Norfolk.”
Address
5585 Sabre Road, Norfolk, VA.
Use the map section below for directions and verify the full mailing ZIP through the official city page or your navigation app before a long drive.
Main contact
757-441-5505.
Email: nacc@norfolk.gov.
Adoption viewing
1:30 PM–6:00 PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Closed Wednesday.
Animal control
For Animal Protection Unit dispatch, use 757-441-5610.
Use emergency services for immediate danger.
People Also Search: What Each Norfolk Shelter Query Means
Instead of adding related keywords as a list, this table explains the real problem behind each search and what the visitor should do.
| Search query | User intent | Practical answer |
|---|---|---|
| Norfolk animal shelter | Find the official city shelter. | Use Norfolk Animal Care Center at 5585 Sabre Road for city shelter adoption, lost/found pet help and shelter resources. |
| Norfolk animal shelter hours | Know when to visit. | Adoption viewing is 1:30 PM–6 PM on open days; Wednesday is closed. Administrative service runs 10 AM–6 PM on open days. |
| NACC dogs / NACC cats | View adoptable animals. | Use the official Our Animals page first, then visit during adoption viewing hours. Applications are accepted in person. |
| Norfolk animal control | Report a bite, stray, cruelty, nuisance or enforcement issue. | Use Norfolk Animal Protection Unit dispatch at 757-441-5610; do not treat normal adoption staff as emergency dispatch. |
| Norfolk lost pets | Find a missing dog or cat. | Call NACC, check official lost/found resources, update microchip information and physically check shelter records when needed. |
| Norfolk found dog or cat | Know whether to bring a found pet to the shelter. | Report found pets. Friendly uninjured pets may be reunited outside the shelter; sick, injured or aggressive animals go through Animal Protection. |
| Norfolk pet surrender | Rehome or surrender an owned pet. | Owner surrenders are by appointment. Contact NACC first, bring veterinary records and prepare personality details. |
| Norfolk pet food pantry | Get help keeping a pet at home. | NACC/FNACC pet pantry support is available at the shelter and through mobile pantry events; check current schedule before going. |
| Norfolk dog license / cat license | Understand city pet licensing. | Norfolk cats and dogs need a city license at 4 months; rabies proof is required and lower fees apply for spayed/neutered pets. |
What Norfolk Animal Care Center Actually Handles
NACC is the city’s open-admission animal sheltering facility. The Animal Protection Unit is the enforcement side for animal law and urgent animal complaints. Knowing the difference saves time.
Dogs, cats and small animals
NACC helps match shelter pets with adopters through in-person applications, adoption counseling and animal-specific guidance.
Lost, found, surrender and support
Administrative service includes owner surrender appointments, lost/found pet assistance, pet pantry and community resource guidance.
Animal Protection Unit
APU handles animal bites, attacks, cruelty investigations, stray companion animals, nuisance complaints, license enforcement and related animal-law matters.
Norfolk Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
NACC has different timing for adoption viewing and administrative services. Do not rely on old third-party directory hours because Norfolk’s official NACC page lists a specific adoption-viewing schedule.
Current official visit guidance
Adoption viewing is listed as Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Wednesday is closed. Administrative hours on open days are listed as 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
| Day | Adoption Viewing | Administrative Hours | Visitor Planning Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 1:30 PM–6 PM | 10 AM–6 PM | Good weekday adoption option. Check pet listings first. |
| Tuesday | 1:30 PM–6 PM | 10 AM–6 PM | Useful for adoption, licensing and support questions. |
| Wednesday | Closed | Closed | Lost/found phone assistance may be available; call 757-441-5505. |
| Thursday | 1:30 PM–6 PM | 10 AM–6 PM | Good weekday visit before weekend crowd. |
| Friday | 1:30 PM–6 PM | 10 AM–6 PM | Check whether adoption events or promotions are active. |
| Saturday | 1:30 PM–6 PM | 10 AM–6 PM | Likely busier. Bring backup pet choices. |
| Sunday | 1:30 PM–6 PM | 10 AM–6 PM | Useful for weekend visitors, but avoid arriving near closing. |
How Adoption Works at Norfolk Animal Care Center
Norfolk’s adoption process is practical and in-person. The goal is not just to complete paperwork; it is to match the animal’s medical, behavior and home-transition needs with your real household situation.
Check official animals before visiting
Start with the official Our Animals page for dogs, cats and other animals. Pet availability can change quickly because pets may be adopted, reclaimed, placed in foster or moved for medical care.
Visit during adoption viewing hours
Go during adoption viewing hours or attend an official NACC adoption event. Applications are accepted in person, so do not expect a fully online adoption checkout.
Ask an adoption counselor to meet the pet
When you find a pet you connect with, ask an adoption counselor for a meeting. Ask about medical notes, behavior, energy level, home fit and introduction needs.
Complete the in-person application
The application asks for basic information needed to complete adoption paperwork, including name, address and phone number. Bring photo ID and any housing details you may need.
Plan for dog meet-and-greets if needed
If you are adopting a dog and already have a dog at home, NACC may recommend or require a dog meet-and-greet depending on the NACC animal selected.
Understand foster-to-adopt if the pet is unaltered
If the new pet is not yet spayed or neutered, NACC says the animal may go home as a foster pet until the scheduled spay/neuter surgery date.
Norfolk Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
NACC’s listed dog and cat fees are simple, but the value is in what the adoption includes and what it does not guarantee. Always confirm the current fee for the exact pet before finalizing.
Dogs
$75 is the listed dog adoption fee.
Included items are listed as alter surgery, first round of vaccines, flea preventative, one round of deworming and microchip. A heartworm snap test will be attempted before adoption, but it is not guaranteed.
Cats
$75 is the listed cat adoption fee.
Included items are listed as alter surgery, first round of vaccines, flea preventative, one round of deworming and microchip. NACC says it does not FIV/FELV/Heartworm test cats.
Small animals
Small animal fees vary.
NACC notes that small animal adoption does not include alter surgery and includes only a basic exam.
NACC Adoption Discounts and Special Programs
Some people search for “Norfolk animal shelter free adoption” or “senior pet adoption Norfolk.” Rather than guessing, use NACC’s official adoption program rules and confirm the exact pet’s eligibility.
Senior pets and senior adopters
The Golden Paws Senior Program reduces adoption costs for senior pets and senior adopters. Senior pets over seven years old are listed at $35, senior adopters age 65+ can adopt a pet of any age for $35, and a senior adopter adopting a senior pet may have the fee waived.
Eligible military adopters
NACC participates in Pets for Patriots for eligible veterans, service members and families. Eligible adoptions are listed as half off the regular $75 adoption fee after program approval.
Lost and Found Pets in Norfolk, VA
Lost and found pet searches are urgent. NACC’s guidance treats friendly, uninjured pets differently from sick, injured or aggressive animals, so choose the right route.
If your pet is missing
- Call NACC at 757-441-5505 and ask about matching animals.
- Check official NACC lost/found resources and recent shelter intake information.
- Update your microchip contact information immediately.
- Prepare photos, veterinary records, license information and microchip proof for reclaim.
- Check nearby Hampton Roads shelters because pets can cross city boundaries.
- Do not rely on one call. Repeat checks because pets may arrive later.
If you found a pet
- Report the found pet to NACC by phone or email.
- Friendly, uninjured pets may be reunited outside the shelter if proper found-pet steps are followed.
- Found dogs can be brought to NACC during open hours.
- Outdoor cats should be handled carefully: NACC says it accepts outside-found cats if they are under 16 weeks old, ill, injured, microchipped or wearing a collar.
- For extremely ill, injured or aggressive found pets, contact Animal Protection at 757-441-5610.
Norfolk Animal Control: When to Call the Animal Protection Unit
The Norfolk Animal Protection Unit is the enforcement and response route for animal-law concerns. This is different from browsing pets for adoption at the shelter.
Animal bites and attacks
Use the Animal Protection route for bites, attacks, aggressive animals or situations involving public safety.
Cruelty and neglect
Animal cruelty investigations, dog fighting complaints and facility inspections are listed among APU services.
Strays, nuisance and licensing
APU also handles stray companion animals, nuisance complaints, rabies vaccination and city license enforcement.
| Situation | Use this route | What to say |
|---|---|---|
| Loose aggressive dog | Animal Protection / Police Non-Emergency | Give exact location, direction of travel, description and whether people are at risk. |
| Animal bite | Animal Protection and medical guidance | Explain who was bitten, when, where, and whether the animal is contained. |
| Lost pet | NACC shelter contact | Give pet description, microchip status, last-seen location and contact information. |
| Found friendly dog | NACC found pet report / shelter during open hours | Report the found location and ask whether intake or reunification steps are best. |
| Injured or aggressive found pet | Animal Protection at 757-441-5610 | Do not handle unsafe animals. Give exact location and visible condition. |
Owner Surrender at Norfolk Animal Care Center
NACC schedules owner surrenders by appointment to manage kennel space. Surrender should not be a surprise walk-in visit, and the city encourages rehoming and pet-retention resources when possible.
Before surrendering
- Call 757-441-5505 or email nacc@norfolk.gov before bringing the pet.
- Ask whether pet retention or self-rehoming resources can help first.
- Prepare veterinary records, vaccine records and medication details.
- Be ready to describe the pet’s personality, behavior, bite history, medical needs and daily routine.
- Ask about urgency if you are experiencing an emergency surrender situation.
What to expect
- Surrenders are scheduled by appointment.
- NACC lists a $15 surrender cost to help cover veterinary care, food and shelter.
- Do not leave an animal outside the building or arrive without instructions.
- Honest behavior and medical information helps the shelter place and care for the animal safely.
- Ask whether foster, rescue, pet food or medical resources might prevent surrender.
Norfolk Pet Food Pantry and Community Help
People searching “Norfolk pet food pantry” usually need temporary help keeping pets at home. NACC and Friends of NACC support pet owners through pantry resources and mobile community outreach.
Pet pantry at NACC
The FNACC pet food pantry is physically located at NACC and is described as available to community members 7 days a week, with no appointment or verification needed.
Mobile pantry
Waggin’ Wheels brings mobile pet pantry support to Norfolk communities, often through Norfolk Public Library anchor branch events.
Keep pets at home
If food cost is the problem, ask for pantry help before surrendering a pet. Temporary food support can prevent an avoidable shelter intake.
Norfolk Dog and Cat Licensing
Licensing is a common related search because adopters, reclaiming owners and new residents need to understand city rules. Norfolk requires licenses for cats and dogs once they reach 4 months.
Age rule
Dogs and cats residing in Norfolk need a license once they reach 4 months of age.
Rabies proof
A current rabies certificate is required to obtain a license.
Reduced fees
Spayed/neutered pets qualify for reduced licensing rates, and senior pet owners may qualify for a senior rate when documentation is provided.
| Norfolk license type | Listed fee | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Intact animal | $25 | Higher fee if the pet is not spayed or neutered. |
| Spayed/neutered animal | $5 | Documentation is needed to receive the reduced rate. |
| Spayed/neutered animal, senior citizen rate | $2 | Senior rate applies when eligibility and documentation are provided. |
| Duplicate tag | $1 | For lost or stolen tags. |
| Service animal | No charge | Must be obtained through the City Treasurer’s Office; ESAs are not treated as service animals for fee waiver. |
Spay/Neuter Help Near Norfolk
Spay/neuter is not just a medical topic. It affects adoption readiness, licensing cost, shelter intake, community cat management and long-term pet affordability.
Why it matters
Norfolk explains that spay/neuter reduces the number of unwanted animals and gives shelter animals more time to find homes.
Low-cost clinic options
The city lists several Hampton Roads low-cost options, including Norfolk SPCA, Virginia Beach SPCA, Spay Hampton Roads, Chesapeake Humane Society, Animal Resource Foundation and PETA SNIP.
Community cats
For TNR guidance in the City of Norfolk, NACC directs residents to call the main line or use organizations listed in the Hampton Roads Pet Resource Guide.
Foster, Waggin’ Wheels and How to Help NACC
People searching “Norfolk animal shelter volunteer,” “NACC foster,” or “donate pet supplies Norfolk” want to help but need clear action steps.
Foster animals
NACC foster families give shelter animals extra time and attention in a home so they can become ready for adoption. Foster questions go to fosterNACC@norfolk.gov.
Waggin’ Wheels
Waggin’ Wheels is NACC’s mobile adoption and outreach unit, created to bring pets and services into the community.
Donate supplies
NACC accepts many useful pet supplies, including unopened food, unopened cat litter, blankets, towels, toys, collars, leashes, small animal supplies, crates, carriers and bowls.
Video Resource Note
I did not add a random YouTube embed here because a current official embeddable Norfolk Animal Care Center adoption video was not confirmed. For trust and quality, this guide relies on official City of Norfolk pages and practical visitor workflows instead of embedding an unrelated or outdated video.
What to Bring Before Visiting Norfolk Animal Shelter
A prepared visitor gets better help. Bring different items depending on whether you are adopting, reclaiming, surrendering, licensing or bringing a found animal.
Photo ID
Bring valid identification for adoption paperwork, reclaim questions, licensing or official shelter service.
Housing permission
If you rent, confirm pet permission, breed limits, size limits, pet deposits and maximum pet count before adopting.
Payment method
Bring payment for adoption fees, surrender fees or licensing needs, and confirm accepted payment types with NACC.
Carrier
Bring a secure carrier for cats or small animals. Loose pets in cars are unsafe and stressful.
Dog plan
Bring or plan for a leash, collar, harness, crate or safe vehicle setup if taking a dog home.
Pet records
For reclaim or surrender, bring veterinary records, vaccine records, microchip information and ownership proof.
After Adoption: First 7 Days at Home
A high-value shelter guide should help after checkout. Many adoption problems happen because the first week is rushed.
First 24 hours
- Use a quiet starter room or calm decompression space.
- Do not introduce every person and pet immediately.
- Use a leash or carrier during all transport.
- Expect stress behaviors such as hiding, barking, whining, pacing or reduced appetite.
- Keep adoption paperwork, vaccine records, microchip notes and surgery instructions together.
Days 2–7
- Build a predictable feeding, potty, walk, play and rest routine.
- Introduce resident pets slowly and safely.
- Follow any foster-to-adopt or spay/neuter appointment instructions.
- Contact a veterinarian for follow-up if recommended.
- Ask for behavior help early if problems appear.
Norfolk Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Visit Tips
Use the map for directions to 5585 Sabre Road. Before driving, confirm whether your visit is for adoption viewing, administrative support, pet pantry, surrender appointment, reclaim, donation drop-off or animal-control reporting.
Arrive early
Adoption viewing ends at 6 PM. Arrive early enough for counseling, questions and paperwork.
Check Wednesday closure
Do not plan a normal adoption visit on Wednesday. Use the lost/found phone route if needed.
Call for urgent animal issues
Use Animal Protection dispatch at 757-441-5610 for urgent animal-control matters, not the adoption-viewing line.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Norfolk Animal Shelter
These mistakes slow down adoption, surrender, lost-pet recovery and animal-control response.
Before visiting
- Do not go on Wednesday expecting adoption viewing.
- Do not rely on outdated third-party hours instead of the official NACC page.
- Do not assume a pet seen online will still be available.
- Do not confuse NACC with Norfolk SPCA.
- Do not arrive near closing if you need a full adoption conversation.
Before calling or surrendering
- Do not call adoption staff for an active bite, attack or dangerous animal emergency.
- Do not surrender a pet without an appointment.
- Do not bring incomplete veterinary or ownership records for reclaim or surrender.
- Do not remove healthy outdoor cats or kittens without checking guidance.
- Do not skip pet pantry or rehoming resources if your goal is to keep the pet safely housed.
Official Norfolk Animal Shelter Links
Use official City of Norfolk pages for final decisions. This guide explains the process, but official pages control current hours, fees, policies, animal availability, event schedules and emergency routing.
Norfolk Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the official Norfolk Animal Shelter?
The official city shelter most people mean is Norfolk Animal Care Center, also called NACC. It is the City of Norfolk animal sheltering facility at 5585 Sabre Road.
What are Norfolk Animal Shelter adoption hours in 2026?
Current NACC adoption viewing hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Wednesday is closed.
What is the Norfolk Animal Care Center phone number?
The main NACC phone number is 757-441-5505. The listed email is nacc@norfolk.gov.
Where is Norfolk Animal Care Center located?
NACC is located at 5585 Sabre Road in Norfolk, Virginia. Use the official page or navigation app to confirm the full address before driving.
Is Norfolk Animal Shelter open on Wednesday?
No. NACC lists Wednesday as closed for adoption viewing and administrative service. For lost and found pet assistance on Wednesdays, call 757-441-5505.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from Norfolk Animal Care Center?
NACC lists dog adoption at $75. It includes alter surgery, first round of vaccines, flea preventative, one round of deworming and microchip. A heartworm snap test will be attempted but is not guaranteed.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from Norfolk Animal Care Center?
NACC lists cat adoption at $75. It includes alter surgery, first round of vaccines, flea preventative, one round of deworming and microchip. NACC says it does not FIV/FELV/Heartworm test cats.
Do I apply online to adopt from NACC?
NACC says adoption applications are accepted in person. Visit during adoption viewing hours or attend an adoption event, meet the pet and work with an adoption counselor.
Can I bring my dog to meet a NACC dog?
If you are adopting a dog and already have a dog at home, NACC may recommend or require a dog meet-and-greet depending on the shelter dog selected.
What number do I call for Norfolk animal control?
For Norfolk Animal Protection Unit dispatch, call Police Non-Emergency at 757-441-5610. Use emergency services for immediate danger.
Does Norfolk Animal Care Center take owner surrenders?
Yes, but owner surrenders are scheduled by appointment. Contact NACC at 757-441-5505 or nacc@norfolk.gov. NACC lists a $15 surrender cost.
What should I do if I found a pet in Norfolk?
Report the found pet to NACC. Friendly, uninjured found pets may be reunited outside the shelter, but sick, injured or aggressive animals should go through Animal Protection at 757-441-5610.
Does NACC accept found cats?
NACC says it accepts cats found outside if they are under 16 weeks of age, ill, injured, microchipped or wearing a collar. Most healthy outdoor cats are close to home and may be more likely to reunite if left in place.
Does Norfolk have a pet food pantry?
Yes. FNACC’s pet pantry is physically located at NACC and is described as available 7 days a week with no appointment or verification needed. Mobile pantry events are also offered through Waggin’ Wheels.
Do Norfolk dogs and cats need licenses?
Yes. Norfolk requires cats and dogs to be licensed once they reach 4 months of age. A current rabies certificate is required.
Final Take: Use Norfolk Animal Shelter the Right Way
For most “Norfolk Animal Shelter” searches, the official city shelter is Norfolk Animal Care Center at 5585 Sabre Road. Use it for adoption, lost and found pet help, surrender appointment questions, licensing, pet pantry support, foster questions, donations and community resources.
The best visitor plan is simple: check the official NACC page first, visit during adoption viewing hours, remember Wednesday is closed, bring ID and transport supplies, call 757-441-5505 for shelter questions, and call 757-441-5610 for animal-control or Animal Protection matters.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Norfolk Animal Care Center, the City of Norfolk, Norfolk Police Department, Animal Protection Unit, Norfolk SPCA, Friends of NACC, any veterinarian, emergency service, microchip registry or official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, surrendering, reclaiming, licensing or reporting an animal concern.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.