Virginia Animal Control Association

10/17/2026

🚨 EXCITING TRAINING UPDATE! NOW APPROVED FOR DCJS CREDIT! 🚨

The Virginia Animal Control Association (VACA) is excited to announce that our upcoming Court Preparation and Ownership Petitions for Virginia Animal Control Officers training has officially been approved for DCJS Partial In-Service Credit!

✅ 4 Hours – Legal Credit (DCJS)

✅ 3 Hours – Career Development Credit (DCJS)

✅ 7.5 CEU Credits through VDACS

📅 Date: November 12, 2026

⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 Location: Pearisburg Community Center
1410 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg, VA 24134

💰 Cost: FREE!

This training will cover ownership petitions under Virginia Code § 3.2-6569, effective courtroom preparation, and testimony. Instruction will be provided by Sgt. Majette of the New Kent County Sheriff's Office Animal Protection Unit and members of the Virginia Attorney General's Office Animal Law Unit.

Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in a moot court exercise to put what they've learned into practice!

👮 This training is open to ALL animal welfare employees and law enforcement officers!

📢 THERE ARE STILL PLENTY OF SEATS AVAILABLE!

Don't miss this FREE opportunity to gain valuable training, earn continuing education credits, and receive DCJS in-service credit!

🔗 REGISTER TODAY BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW!

👇👇👇

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvlSFVi9bHbbUHL2wqkcBDtC8JJp8_TH6Mz3aryWz-zstHkQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=110419371005009247188

We look forward to seeing everyone in Pearisburg!

10/17/2026

📣🐾Calling all Virginia animal control agencies, animal shelters, and animal welfare partners! We want to help YOUR stories reach audiences across the Commonwealth!

The Virginia Animal Control Association (VACA) is looking for stories, updates, and highlights from agencies throughout Virginia. From job openings and adoption success stories to community outreach, special programs, educational events, and the amazing work your teams do every day, we want to help spread the word! 🐶🐱🐾
📌 WHAT CAN YOU SEND US?
🐕 Animal control and shelter job openings
🏡 Adoption and foster success stories
🤝 Community outreach and public education programs
🎉 Special events, fundraisers, and initiatives
👏 Staff and volunteer recognition
🐾 Animal welfare achievements and innovative programs
📢 Important announcements and resources for Virginia communities

No story is too small to celebrate! Whether you’re a large municipal shelter, a rural county agency, or a small animal control department, your work matters, and your community deserves to see it.

📣 Tag us. Message us. Share your story. Let’s get Virginia talking!

10/16/2026

We’re Hiring at PRAS! Join Our Mission to Make a Difference for Animals in Our Community.

Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter is excited to announce TWO opportunities to join our dedicated, compassionate team!

Full-Time Program Coordinator

Are you an organized, energetic team member who thrives in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment? Our Program Coordinator supports two or more major program areas, including animal care and placement, fostering and adoptions, shelter marketing, community outreach, and volunteer or partner coordination. If you love variety in your work and want to make a meaningful impact, this could be the perfect position for you!

Part-Time Veterinary Assistant

Looking to begin a career in veterinary medicine? Our Part-Time Veterinary Assistant works directly in our on-site veterinary suite, assisting with medical care, surgical support, and hands-on treatment of the animals who rely on us every day. It’s a fantastic opportunity for someone eager to learn and grow in the veterinary field.

Why Join PRAS?

• Be part of a mission-driven, animal-loving team
• Make a real impact in the lives of pets and families
• Support a shelter committed to high-quality care and community engagement

Apply today!

https://www.nnva.gov/193/Apply-for-a-Job

10/14/2026

The Adoption Coordinator works under the direction of the Executive Director and in collaboration with other staff and volunteers to oversee the adoption process and the continuing success of adopted equines for the rescue. This team member is passionate in helping people and horses find their ideal...

10/13/2026

🐶Join Our Team!🐱

✅Do you love animals?
✅Do you enjoy working with people?
✅Do you want to make a difference in the lives of both??
Then you may have what it takes to be an Animal Control Officer!

Chesapeake Animal Services is looking for dedicated, hardworking, animal-loving individuals to join our team as full-time Animal Control Officers!

For more information and to apply, please visit https://jobs.cityofchesapeake.net/postings/18284

10/12/2026

Missed the chance to order the 47th Annual Conference gear? Don’t worry, it will still be available (for a limited time) on our Bonfire account.

https://www.bonfire.com/store/vaca-merchandise/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=vaca-merchandise&utm_content=default

10/12/2026

🚨 SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA TRAINING ALERT 🚨

The Virginia Animal Control Association (VACA) will be hosting a Court Preparation and Custody Hearing Training Course in Giles County on November 12, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Pearisburg Community Center.

This training will feature a moot court and other hands-on exercises designed to help Animal Control Officers and Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) across Virginia better understand the court system and prepare for court proceedings.

📍 Location: Pearisburg Community Center, Giles County, VA
📅 Date: November 12, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💲 Cost: FREE
🎓 Continuing Education: 7.5 VDACS-approved CEU hours

This is a great opportunity for animal control and law enforcement professionals to strengthen their courtroom knowledge and skills!

🔗 Click the link below to register:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvlSFVi9bHbbUHL2wqkcBDtC8JJp8_TH6Mz3aryWz-zstHkQ/viewform?usp=dialog

10/11/2026

Special thanks to all of our conference sponsors and vendors! We could not do this without your dedication to helping our industry thrive.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
petlink.net
PetData, Inc.
Hope's Legacy Equine Rescue
Jackson Creek Mfg., Inc.
Swab Wagon Company, Inc.
Virginia Federation of Humane Societies
Equine Welfare Collaborative of Virginia
Wildlife Center of Virginia
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Dominion Seven Architects
Richmond Animal Care & Control
Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force
National Animal Care & Control Association
Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation

10/11/2026

📚‼️Training Opportunity📚‼️
Celebrate World Mental Health Day with some great training from our friends at National Animal Care & Control Association.

Mental Health First Aid Certification View Available Live Session Dates Open to all ACOs and Animal Welfare Professionals in the U.S.You must be 18 or older to participate.  Taking Care of Your Mental Health Helps You Keep Showing Up for the Animals and People Who Need You Most. MHFA Certificatio...

07/04/2026

🔥 HEAT SAFETY REMINDERS 🔥

💧 Hydrate Constantly
Drink water before, during, and after your shift — don’t wait until you feel thirsty.

🧊 Take Cooling Breaks
Use air-conditioned spaces whenever possible. Schedule frequent breaks to cool down.

👕 Dress Smart
Wear lightweight, breathable uniforms and use sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses).

⏱️ Adjust Your Pace
Slow down during peak heat hours. Prioritize calls and avoid overexertion when possible.

🚗 Vehicle Safety
Never remain in a parked vehicle without AC. Keep extra water and cooling supplies on hand.

⚠️ Know the Warning Signs

* Dizziness
* Headache
* Nausea
* Excessive sweating or no sweating
* Rapid pulse

If symptoms appear: STOP, COOL DOWN, and SEEK HELP immediately

🐾 YOU CAN’T HELP THEM IF YOU DON’T PROTECT YOURSELF FIRST 🐾