Our Role In The Community
What is the difference between Animal Control and GMHS?
Each county employs its own animal control officers and has its own department that manages local animals. The role of a county animal control department is to control the spread of rabies by enforcing rabies vaccinations, licensing, bite reports, stray and injured, or dangerous animals.
GMHS is a non-profit organization, not a government agency. GMHS is contracted with the county of Mathews to take unwanted or stray dogs and cats. We are also contracted with Gloucester, but only to hold stray cats. Over 90% of our operating budget comes from private donations and our mission as a private non-profit is to help all counties in the middle peninsula. We offer low cost spay and neuter options for pets, pet food assistance for people in need, and we will take owner surrender animals from the public or take animals from other area shelters when we have space available to do so.
Is GMHS a no-kill shelter?
No-kill is a term commonly used for shelters with a live-release rate over 90% or guarantees adoption for all healthy and adoptable animals. A live-release rate is the number of animals adopted or transferred to another rescue group. GMHS currently has an overall live-release rate of 96%. GMHS never euthanizes for length of stay or space. Pets are euthanized only in the case of terminal illness and active suffering or they cannot be safely placed in the community.
Will GMHS come pick up animals from my home or property?
Unfortunately, GMHS does not pick up animals. Your local animal control department has officers that are either able to assist you, or can loan you traps if needed, so you can bring an animal in need of help to GMHS.
Cruelty/Neglect and Wildlife
I found an injured animal, or my neighbor is mistreating his/her pet. What should I do?
All questions regarding injured animals or cruelty complaints should be referred to your local Animal Control.
Gloucester Animal Control (Gloucester Residents)
804-693-5290
Mathews Animal Control (Mathews Residents)
804-725-7177
Middlesex Animal Control (Middlesex Residents)
804-815-1268
There is a dead animal on the road. What do I do?
Call the Virginia Department of Transportation at 540-899-4288 or 800-367-7623
What do I do if I find orphaned or injured wildlife?
If you find a baby deer, leave it alone. The mother will come back for it! If you find a baby bird in the spring, it may be a fledgling, or a baby bird who has just come into the feathers it needs to fly. If it is otherwise uninjured, leave it where it is, so it can learn to fly. If you see other orphaned or injured wildlife, please visit the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and search their Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators active in your area.
Can I rent traps to catch wildlife?
The shelter does not supply traps to catch wildlife.