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Q: What happens to my pet if it is picked up by Animal Control?

A: Your pet would be taken to the City of Manassas Animal Adoption Center located at 10039 Dean Drive, Manassas, VA 20110 for safekeeping until you are able to redeem it. The Adoption Center can be reached by phone at 703-257-2420. Redemption fees are $20 for the first day of impound, and an additional $10 for each day or fraction thereof after that. Remember that your description of your pet may not match the employee’s description, so it is always best to go and have a look in person to ensure your pet is truly there or not. If the Animal Control Officer (ACO) knows where you live or has a phone number to reach you, the ACO will notify you that your pet has been impounded for safekeeping. Always have a collar and identification on your pet to ensure that Animal Control can contact you in the event your pet does get impounded. One of the best ways to do that is to put a tag on his/her collar. We are also able to retrieve your home information through your City Dog License, and it is required to be on your dog at all times.

Q: What should I do if there is an animal living in my attic?

A: If you suspect that a wild animal has gained access to a portion of your home, the first step is to find out how it is getting in and out. Often squirrels, raccoons, and opossums can enter your attic through vents and sometimes via loose boards around your gutter attachments. Once you have those entry areas securely repaired, Animal Control will lend you an appropriate trap to remove the animal safely – if it is not already on the outside once you’ve finished your repairs. Your ACO can give you some advice on exclusion techniques. Your local home improvement stores and hardware stores can also provide suggestions.

Q: Why do I have to buy a license for my dog?

A: The Commonwealth of Virginia requires all localities to enact laws or ordinances to license dogs, and in some places, cats too. A licensing program is an invaluable asset in controlling the spread of rabies. By requiring a rabies vaccine before receiving a license, you are helping to reduce the possibility of your animal contracting the virus and possibly putting your family at risk. Failure to obtain a license is a criminal offense. So, vaccinate, license and put those tags on those dogs!

Q: What are the laws regarding animals in the City of Manassas?

A: Our local ordinances can be found in Chapter 18 of the Manassas City Code. A link to our codes can be found on the Animal Control home page. Our local ordinances exist to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our residents and to promote humane care for our pets. We want everyone to be responsible pet owners.

Animal Control Department

Q: How can I get a neighbor's dog to stop its disturbing barking?

A: One of the best things you can do as a neighbor is to talk directly to your neighbor about your concerns. Since everyone has different levels of sensetivity to noises, your neighbor may not be aware that their dog’s barking is bothersome. The City does have a Barking Dog ordinance, and Animal Control will try to mediate solutions with parties that cannot reach an agreement in regards to the noise. There are several training ideas you might be able to suggest on the home page for the Humane Society of the Unites States. Click on the words below for some helpful tips on training your dog to be a happy and healthy companion.

Q: Who do I call if my dog escapes and I can't find him/her?

A: You should call the Manassas Animal Adoption Center to report the dog missing. We may have already picked your pet up and are trying to locate you. Our office maintains a lost and found file for pets and we may be able to find you based on your lost report. As always, the best way to ensure your pet will return home is to have identification on his/her collar. After bathing your pet, be sure to put his/her collar with license and identification back on right away. That is your pet’s fastest way home!

Q: How can I keep my cat from scratching my furniture?

A: Cats are notorious for using furniture, bedspreads, curtains, and carpets as scratching posts. This is a natural way for cats to keep their claws sharpened, an innate behavior for them. Provide your cat with some alternatives to use in order to correct the negative behavior. You can also trim their nails, making the scratching less harmful to your property. Follow the link below titled DESTRUCTIVE SCRATCHING for more help with your cat’s behavior. For more information about all kinds of feline care and behavior, click one of the topics below.