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.
Adoption FAQs
Our adoption process is fairly easy, depending on if the adopter is ready and if the pet is ready to leave the building. One of the first steps is to come by our shelter to visit your pet during business hours, Tuesday through Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM. We are closed on Mondays for deep cleaning of our shelter. Once you have visited with a pet, you can then submit an application for adoption.
Check out our adoption FAQs below for more information.
I saw a pet online. How do I start the adoption process?
We believe in the love of meeting a pet in person! We no longer accept online applications. One of the first steps is to visit our shelter during open business hours, speak to a staff member about meeting the pet you’re interested in, and then submit an application.
Someone else has already submitted an application for the animal I want. Can I still apply?
GMHS does operate on a first come, first serve basis for adoption applications. However, we do accept up to three applications on a pet in case an application may fall through.
Do you accept holds on pets?
GMHS does not accept holds on animals beyond an honored 24-hour hold on animals six months and older. We allow 24-hour holds in case you need to buy supplies, get a room ready, etc. If the pet is ready to leave and you’re ready to adopt with an approved application, then you can adopt.
Can I pay for the animal’s adoption fee or a boarding fee to hold the animal for me?
As we are not a boarding facility, we cannot accept payment to hold an animal. We always have new pets coming into the shelter, so we are positive we can find the match for you!
Can I leave my information when you have a certain cat breed in or a dog breed?
We do not have waiting lists or a request list at GMHS. We are committed to finding the best match for you from our pets that are actively available.
What is included during the adoption?
All pets at GMHS come spayed/neutered and rabies vaccinated (if the animal is at an appropriate age). They also receive basic inoculations and a microchip. Dogs that are heartworm positive are given heartworm treatment.
How old do you have to be to adopt?
In the state of Virginia, you must be eighteen years or older to adopt a pet.
I don’t live in Gloucester or Virginia. Can I still adopt?
Of course! However, if your pet needs to be returned and you do not have a safe placement you trust, such as a close family member or friend, the animal would need to be returned to GMHS.
Do you need a current veterinarian to adopt?
You do not need a current veterinarian to adopt. However, we do ask to have a veterinarian in mind to bring them for their first wellness visit and we are happy to provide recommendations.
Do you do landlord or homeowner checks?
We do conduct landlord checks to make sure the pet policy allows for pets, or allows for additional pets if a pet is already in the home. If you do not own your home, but you live with someone who does, we check in with homeowners to make sure the pet is allowed.
I saw an animal at the shelter I want to adopt, but it is not on the website. What should I do?
We only accept applications on animals that are available, meaning listed on our website. For animals not available yet, you can keep an eye on our website for when the pet will be available.
Can I do a meet-and-greet with my dog and the dog I am interested in?
Yes! With an approved application, we can conduct a scheduled dog-to-dog meet-and-greet. We do require seeing a copy of your dog’s current rabies certificate at the time of the meet-and-greet. Please note, if one of our dogs is labeled as needing a single-dog home, we reserve the right to conduct the meet-and-greet or decline one.
Do you allow for foster-to-adopt?
In certain situations, we do allow for foster-to-adopt, but this is not always the case for every animal. Heartworm positive dogs can be fostered to allow for their heartworm treatment, and when completed then be adopted. Foster-to-adoptions must be approved by management.
What should I bring during my adoption?
Please bring a driver’s license or a photo ID during your appointment, as well as a credit card, cash or check for the payment of your adoption fee. If you rent, it would be helpful that you have your pet policy from your landlord, or a written letter stating you can adopt.
Please call our Adoption Team at 804-693-5520 ext. 102 with questions about the adoption process.
Do you have a military discount?
Yes! We offer a 20% off military discount for active military, retired military and military spouses.
Do you have a senior citizen discount?
Yes! The Seniors for Seniors adoption program is designed to help senior citizens (65+ Years) rediscover the joys of having a cat or dog in their lives. Senior citizens may enjoy a lowered adoption fee for senior dogs ($50) and senior cats ($30).