Norfolk Animal Care Center
is located at
5585 Sabre Road,
just off Lowery Road at
Military Highway near
Broad Creek Shopping Center

757-441-5505
www.norfolk.gov/nacc
Animal Visitation Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

(closed Wednesdays)

Sunday
12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Office Hours:
Monday - Sunday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Site Navigation
All photos on our site are of animals that have been at Norfolk Animal Care Center.  Images are courtesy of Norfolk Animal Care Center staff and adopters.

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Lola

Hi! My name is Jennifer and I adopted Lola in March of 2009. When we brought her home she was very skinny and very nervous about trash bags, brooms, and anything really loud or long. But almost 9 months later she's the happiest dog I know. She loves to play with other dogs at the dog park, and loves her backyard and the squirrels that pass by. I just wanted to say thank you for saving my best friend. This is her forever home and were both loving every minute of it.

Jennifer & Lola
Sunshine (formerly Shortbread)

Hi all, This is Sunshine (aka Shortbread). We adopted her from the NACC last spring. I brought her back last September, so you could see how well she has improved since then. Here is a picture of Sunshine hanging out at the Munden Point Park in Pungo, Virginia Beach.

She is a really sweet dog, and gets along well with our 2 cats (and any other animals that she has met). She loves children and most women, but is still a bit nervous around adult men, though she is improving. She is definitely a permanent addition to our family now...thanks!

Regards,

Alex & Jeanine Bowerman
Zander

It seems only yesterday that we adopted Zander from the NACC, but it has been several months ago. He is very happy at both of his new homes, one in Norfolk and his vacation place on Buggs Island Lake, where he was when I took this picture at Thanksgiving. Zander can often be found relaxing on the deck of his lake home with his friend Rocky, who came from the Manteo SPCA shelter about 2 years ago. They are best buds, who love to romp and play 'til the sun sets over the beautiful lake at Sunny Point. Zander and Rocky have given us so much love, affection, and attention, and we plan to return the favor for many years to come. I also included a picture of the chidren at the fall festival with one of your wonderful ambassadors, on your visit to Fairmount Park for our youth event this past October. Happy holidays to everyone at our favorite animal care center!

Sincerely,
Sabra Gear and Bobby Koller


Cinderella

I am (as any proud mommy would be!) thrilled to share photos of our "kids" with you and your team. I have attached a few for you of each dog. Also, I would love to share the stories of how we got each dog. Whisky was our first dog and he was from VBAC. I knew I wanted a Boxer but I also knew I wanted a shelter dog. It was my birthday two years ago just after my husband and I were married and I was on Craigslist looking for our first pup. I saw a posting for this sweet Boxer dog listed by the Friends of VBAC and sent his photo to my husband saying "Can we go take a look at him?" He knew that, if that pup was still there by the time we got there, I was getting a dog for my birthday. When we got there, we asked about him and were told that he had been claimed and someone was picking him up that day. We looked at other dogs but didn't connect with any others. We did go see him in his pen and it broke my heart to leave him but I was happy that he had a home. When we were walking out, I heard a woman ask another family if they were looking for a Boxer. They said no and I turned around and said "I am!" She smiled and asked if I wanted to meet the very dog I came to see. Of course, I said yes and we went outside to meet him. The woman explained that she has several Boxers and the folks at VBAC knew her and called when they saw him. She said she would be happy to take him but much happier if he went with a family who truly wanted him and would love him. Well, Whisky was on his best behavior- walking on the leash, fetching the ball, knowing sit, stay, come... all the basics. We were in love and signed the papers right away. When we brought him home he was so skinny and timid. He is now a playful and boistorous Boxer boy who loves to play (especially at the beach!) and his little wagging nubbin (tail) makes me smile every single day. We named him Whisky after my husband's favorite beverage and he has been my boyfriend ever since! Six months later, Whisky was doing everything he could to escape our yard while we were at work and he always ended up at homes with other dogs. He loves going to the dog park and my husband and I decided to get him a friend to play with (inside the yard) all day long. Since I picked the first dog, my husband decided he would pick the second. He wanted a hound dog and we started keeping out eyes open. I saw Cinderella listed on Petfinder.com at NACC and went to go see her. She was not yet available but I met her and fell in love. When I told my husband about her, he said we should take Whisky and meet her as a family. On her available day, we took Whisky to meet his (hopefully!) new sister. They met and pretty much ignored each other-- a good sign, the staff told us. We all liked her and thought she was sweet so we decided to adopt her. She was ready to pick up two days later after her surgery and my husband carried a sad, scared, limp dog through our front door. We named her Macallan since she clearly wasn't keeping the house clean like a Cinderella should! Macallan was clearly very frightened and snapped at us on a regular basis. She jumped and barked at everything and it took a long two weeks to slowly introduce her to the house and to Whisky. She winced every time we pet her and we couldn't come hear her while she was sleeping or eating. We were patient and we knew that, with enough love and training, she would come around. And boy has she! Mac now is a 45 lb. lap dog who loves nothing more than cuddling with her Daddy and climbing in our bed at night. SHe loves going for walks with her backpack and crashing out on the couch afterward. She is a dream come true and Whisky and Macallan are inseperable. It truly was wonderful to adopt both of our dogs from shelters- we know we did the right thing and they know we rescued them. We love our little family and wish the best for every shelter dog and cat out there!

Love,

The Young Family
Batman

Hi! My name is Batman. I guess you can see why. I came to Norfolk Care Center in August of 2009, and my new Mom and Dad came and got me on October 16. I have a great life now: I have 2 cats, 4 dogs, and lots of bones to play with! We go for walks each day, and I even get to go to the farm to play with other dogs and cats a couple times a week! I have gained lots of weight and have gotten much bigger! I am in great health and am very happy.

Thank you so much to everyone at Norfolk Care Center who took such great care of me. Mom and Dad really enjoyed coming down to get me, and they would love to adopt from you guys again- just not right now, we have a full house!

With lots of love, Batman

PS: like the picture of me playing in the snow? It was the first time I ever saw it!

Chloe (formerly Kendra)

I adopted a pitbill from you in February 2007. Her name was Kendra, but we renamed her Chloe. You all found her abandoned in an apartment. I know this letter is late, but I wanted to thank you for allowing us to adopt her. She is such a wonderful dog, and we love her so much.

I went to your facility to look at another dog, but Chloe caught my eye and it was love at first sight. However, it took some work on my part to convince my husband to allow us to adopt her. He said, "no way are we getting a pitbull!" He had the misconception that many in our society have about pitbulls. He finally reluctantly agreed, and it took about 1 week before he fell in love with her. She is definitely his dog.

She is such a good ambassador for the breed. She is gentle, playful, quite comical and loves all people including children and other animals. Thanks again for allowing Chloe to be a part of our family.

Sincerely,
Megan and Michael
Nutmeg

This morning was the first morning all three cats ate side by side. From left to right is Butterfinger, Nutmeg and Snickers. And Butterfinger and Snickers were back playing with each other again. Nutmeg has been quite the prima dona, upsetting the already-established relationships in the house even though all have gotten along for the most part. She still talks incessantly, and we think she wants back outside. I hate to tell her that will never happen except when she is on her harness and leash on our deck.

Anyway, things are still progressing in the right direction. We know it takes months before all the dust will settle and they are all comfortable in their forever home. This is going to be a great Christmas!

Robin & Ken


Maggie (formerly Magnolia)

Magnolia was adopted from NACC and we now fondly call her Maggie. She has adjusted so well and is the best thing that could have ever happened to the Harrell family : ) We discovered that Maggie is deaf and we love her even more after we found out. Yesterday was the first day that she really came out to visit everyone ( without us getting her ), and is very playful. She is learning when I put food in her bowl because I stomp 3 times on the floor and she feels the vibration and comes running. She also has become acquainted with the “patting on the leg” and she will come running to you. Maggie is very stationary and has 3 favorite spots in the house which have blankets and her toys waiting for her where ever she chooses her destination to be : ) Each day is a new surprise and mile stone of trust with Maggie. This morning my husband and I were waking up and heard a little bell at our bedroom door, she had finally ventured upstairs and had found our bedroom all by herself and wanted to visit. I hear a lot of people say they “choose” their pet, but I think when we went to the NACC, Maggie chose us that day ! Keep up the great work & God Bless !!

Best, Michelle


Yuki Bear (formerly Stumpy)

We adopted Yuki Bear, formerly Stumpy, from the Norfolk Animal Care Center about 3 weeks ago. Although she is cute as can be, adopting a year old dog was a bit daunting. We couldn’t know for sure if she’d have any behavioral or house breaking issues.

We’re happy to say, as luck would have it, she came to us house broken. She had a couple small accidents in the first few days, but she just needed to get used to a regular walking schedule and she’s been mess free ever since. She seems perfectly comfortable with our schedule and apartment. She loves cuddling after a nice long walk around the neighborhood. We couldn’t be happier and believe she is the perfect age. She’s still so young at heart, but we’re not dealing with potty training and teething, LOL.

With her lovable personality and striking looks, she is the star of the show everywhere we take her. We had her groomed, which really made her shine, and took her to the park as soon as her stitches had healed. She was a doll the whole time. Thanks for helping to bring her into our lives

Sincerely,

Brent & Jenny Adams

Zeus

I adopted Zeus from NACC almost two months ago. I was very apprehensive about finding a new best friend after my cat died last winter. For almost a full year I stopped by all of the local shelters to visit with cats and it wasn't till one day in early November that i was making a donation to NACC and overheard someone say how many cats they had. I walked into the back and just casually walked by all the cages. Suddenly i heard a great ruckus in one of the cages and turned around. Instantly there was a blue eyed cat looking at me. I laughed at his funny expression and continued walking and the ruckus immediately started up again. Trying to figure out what all the commotion was about i turned around again and the little blue eyed cat was looking at me still. I walked over to face him and asked "Is that you making all that noise?" not expecting a reply I began to walk again and he put both front feet on the door and started banging on the door. Still laughing at him I spoke to him a little and he started meowing in return and kept pushing the door handle. Finally i gave in and opened the door. Instantaneously he jumped out into my arms and started purring. I was in love. I decided within minutes that he was the one I had been waiting for. Once he was home there were many challenges. He was very frightened of men and shoes and it took a lot of work to get him to come out of hiding when there where visitors. He was also very sick. I hadn't know but when I took him in for a well check they found two types of worms, blood parasites, a severe urinary tract infection, dehydrated, malnourished, and had a fever of 103. With alot of work and quite a few visits to the vet he is now a great member of the household. While he is still working on his clawing manners he is making leaps and bounds every day. In most cases quite literally. He is my best friend and I can only see things getting even better as time marches on.

Heather Grossman
Sasha

My boyfriend and I adopted Sasha from the Norfolk Animal Care Center in June 2008. We were introduced to her, however, at the Five Points Community Farm Market on Church Street in Norfolk. We’d just dropped off our older dog at home after a morning at the dog park and decided we’d run out to the market for some fresh veggies. NACC volunteers were set up under a canopy in the parking lot that afternoon for their once monthly adoption day. The slim, blond pooch they had with them stole our hearts and within the week she was ours. We’ve had a number of firsts with Sasha since then: first trip to the vet, first visit to the dog park, first day at doggie daycare, first Christmas and first-year adoption anniversary. But yesterday Sasha had a rare first – her first snow. She was tentative initially, uncertain of the white stuff falling from the sky. But it didn’t take her long to figure out how much fun she could have running and jumping with her older brother in the growing layer of white powder on the ground. She just loved it, and it was such a joy to see her bounding through the drifts with a look of pure excitement on her furry face. Sasha has been a wonderful addition to our family, and we are very fortunate to have found her, though really I think she found us.

Victoria B.

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