Town of Vinton, Virginia | Animal Control

TOWN OF VINTON, VIRGINIA

ANIMAL CONTROL
311 S. Pollard Street, Vinton, VA 24179
M.K. Dalton, Animal Control Officer
Email: kdalton@vintonva.gov
puppy

Working together with our neighbors is a good place to start to make our Town a friendlier place to live. Please be considerate of others.

PLEASE CHOOSE FROM THE MENU BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION
	BARKING, WAYS TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE
	CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR PET(S)
	CONTACTING THE ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
	DECEASED ANIMALS IN YARDS OR ON ROADS
	IMPORTANT REMINDERS
	NUMBER OF ANIMALS ALLOWED
	PROHIBITED ANIMALS
	TAGS/LICENSES (DOG AND CAT)
	WILD ANIMALS

CONTACTING THE ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
Officer Dalton is the Animal Control Officer for the Town of Vinton. To reach him, please call 540-983-0617, and then dial extension 178. Officer Dalton is normally out on the road patrolling the area. Should you get his voicemail, please leave a message and he will return your phone call as soon as possible.

If you have an emergency, you should always dial 911.

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NUMBER OF ANIMALS ALLOWED

Town law limits the number of animals to TWO per household.

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ANIMAL TAGS/LICENSES

Animal tags expire on December 31^st, and the tags go on sale in the Vinton Treasurer's office starting on December 1^st each year. BOTH dogs and cats are required to have current Town of Vinton tags/licenses. Not more than two (2) animals may be tagged/licensed at any address within the Town limits.

Animal tags/licenses may be purchased from the Vinton Treasurer's Office during regular business hours. In order to obtain tags/licenses for dogs or cats, you must present a CURRENT RABIES CERTIFICATE for each animal. The Rabies Certificate must indicate if the animal is neutered or spayed.

Fees are $5.00 each for spayed or neutered animals and $10.00 each for unaltered animals per year. Three year licenses are also available. The cost for the three year licenses is $13.50 each for spayed or neutered animals and $27.00 each for unaltered animals.

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PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR PET(S)

Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients in local waterways.

When walking your pet(s), remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drains and eventually into local waterways. Click here to learn more about stormwater quality.

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PROHIBITED ANIMALS

The keeping of livestock, fowl, and rabbits is prohibited.

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IMPORTANT REMINDERS

DO NOT allow your dogs and cats to run loose.

BOTH dogs and cats must have current rabies shots.

BOTH dogs and cats must have current Town of Vinton licenses/tags.

Town law limits the number of animals to TWO per household.

DO NOT allow your animals to become a nuisance to others.

DO NOT harbor dangerous or vicious animals.

Cruelty and inhumane treatment of animals is prohibited.

Keeping of livestock, fowl, and rabbits is prohibited.

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WILD ANIMALS

The Town of Vinton maintains a limited amount of humane animal traps to help citizens control wildlife that is damaging private property. Please do your part to control wildlife by covering any openings around homes and outbuildings. Also, please do not leave dog or cat food out at night.

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DECEASED ANIMALS IN YARDS OR ON ROADS

Animal Control does not pick up dead animals from your yard or in the road. If you see a dead animal in the street, please call the Public Works Department at 540-983-0646.

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WAYS TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE BARKING

Dogs bark, often for very good reasons. But few things will alienate you from your neighbors more quickly than letting your dog bark excessively. Nuisance barking is usually defined as frequent or habitual howling, yelping, or barking. You can prevent nuisance barking before it starts by making sure your dog is happy, healthy, and well-trained.

WHY DO DOGS BARK?

Dogs bark to communicate. Dogs, like people, are social animals. Scolding or yelling at your dog when it barks will not make it stop. In fact, your dog may interpret your yelling as participation in the conversation.

Dogs bark out of boredom. A dog that is frustrated or bored may bark just for something to do.

Dogs bark to get attention. Because they are social animals, dogs crave attention. If the only attention a dog receives is punishment for barking, it will bark to receive even that negative attention.

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR DOG FROM BARKING EXCESSIVELY?

Train your dog to bark only when appropriate. Interrupt inappropriate barking by distracting the dog. Drop a plastic soda bottle full of pennies or rocks somewhere near the dog. When the dog stops barking, praise it in a pleasant voice by saying, "Good dog, that's enough."

Spend time playing with your dog every day. Dogs that do not get enough interaction with people are more likely to bark out of boredom or to seek attention.

Give your dog chews and toys. Keep your dog occupied when you can't be home.

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Last update: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:58 AM