It is the function of the Animal Control Officer to enforce State and County animal laws, which are designed to protect the public from disease such as rabies, to protect privately owned livestock and fowl, and to protect the public from vicious dogs.

The Animal Control works with the Sheriff’s Department and Public Health Department when investigating claims. Additionally, the Animal Control Officer is responsible for taking stray dogs to the animal shelter.

The Animal Control function is supported through fees collected from the sale of dog tags. State Laws require that all dogs four months and older be licensed and vaccinated for rabies within the County where the dog is owned.

Working privately with veterinarians, the Animal Control Officer will hold scheduled rabies clinics throughout the County during the year. These clinics provide an opportunity for owners needing animals vaccinated to be more conveniently served.

Currently the price of dog tags is $5.00 for all dogs. Twenty Dog Kennel Tags are $20.00, and Kennels with over 20 dogs are $30.00. Exotic Animal Permits are $10.00 and $5.00 renewal.

Dog licenses go on sale November 1 and must be obtained by January 31st. It is unlawful for any person to permit his dog to run at large at anytime without a current licensed tag attached to a substantial collar on the dog, though dogs may have their tags removed while hunting or while being shown.

Carroll County is a part of the Galax-Carroll-Grayson Animal Shelter, which is located on Fair Street in Galax, VA. All stray animals that are collected by the Carroll County Animal Control Department are taken there. This gives them hope of being reunited with their rightful owner or being adopted into a good home. The hours of operation for this shelter are: Tuesday through Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. To contact the shelter, please call (276) 236-8501.

In October, 1998, Terry Woods, Animal Control Officer, received an award by the Virginia Animal Control Association for Animal Control Officer of the year for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Animal Control Officer is presently located in room B270 in the Carroll County Governmental Center in Hillsville, VA. His office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Anyone needing a stray dog picked up or needing to discuss matters with him is encouraged to call him between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., daily.