Regional Animal Shelter

A non-profit, no-kill 501(c)3 organization called Richardsons Rescue is devoted to the rescue, treatment, and adoption of domestic animals.

In July 2008, the Tappahannock/Essex County Animal Shelter opened. Since our doors first opened, we have housed 4,381 dogs, 1,861 cats, 12 rabbits, 3 goats, 2 pigs, 6 hens, and 3 roosters. These animals were mostly stray.

The Animal Control Unit of the Charles City County Sheriff's Office looks into cases of animal cruelty, issues licenses, enforces rabies laws, collects stray or dangerous animals, and offers a lost and found service. The animal control officers also arrange adoptions and provide humane care for stray, abandoned, and domesticated animals (dogs, cats, birds, poultry, and livestock).

The only municipal shelter with open access in Middlesex County is the Middlesex County Animal Shelter. We take in stray animals that are in need, owner-returned dogs whose owners can no longer care for them, and animals that Animal Control has confiscated or brought into custody.