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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVIRGINIA BEACH ANIMAL SERVICES UPDATEANIMAL SERVICES BUREAU Who We Are. What We Do. Where We’re Going. 1 Virginia Beach Police Department | October 27, 2026 Presented by Animal Welfare Administrator Christopher Mauldin 2 WHO WE ARE Provide City Council with a snapshot of the Animal Services Bureau, highlighting our responsibilities, daily operations, services, and impact on the Virginia Beach community. PRESENTATION OVERVIEW ANIMAL CRUELTY REGISTRY Introduce the proposed Animal Cruelty Registry, its purpose, potential benefits, and how it could promote accountability, help prevent animal cruelty, and enhance animal welfare and public safety. VIRGINIA BEACH ANIMAL SERVICES BUREAU OUR MISSION The mission of the Virginia Beach Animal Services Bureau (ASB) is to balance the health, safety, and welfare needs of the people and animals in our city. The ASB will educate the public about responsible companion animal ownership, aggressively investigate animal cruelty cases, provide compassion and humane care for unwanted, stray, abused, and abandoned animals in our city, give adoptable animals a second chance at a forever home, and humanely euthanize animals when necessary and appropriate. ANIMAL SERVICES BUREAU CHAIN OF COMMAND 4 CHIEF OF POLICE Paul Neudigate DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE Bradley Wesseler Meet Christopher Mauldin 5 ANIMAL WELFARE ADMINISTRATOR CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH A LIFETIME OF DEDICATION TO ANIMAL WELFARE 0 Born and Raised 2003 2012 2015 2017 Today Born and raised on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Started working in the animal welfare field as a kennel technician and moved on to become a Vet Technician. Began working for the City of Virginia Beach as an Animal Caretaker and became an Animal Control Officer in 2013. Moved to Seattle, Washington, starting as an Animal Services Officer and became a Field Training Officer. Moved to Florida to be a Code Compliance Officer, and shortly went back to being an Animal Services Officer, then a Shelter Operations Supervisor, Program Manager, and eventually the Director of Animal Services in Osceola County. Returned to Virginia Beach as Animal Welfare Administrator, bringing more than two decades of hands-on experience and a passion for building stronger communities for animals and people. SUPPORTING THE FUTURE OF ANIMAL SERVICES 6 Virginia Beach Police Department’s Commitment to Animal Services Through strategic investments, organizational improvements, and community partnerships, the Virginia Beach Police Department continues to strengthen the Animal Services Bureau and its ability to serve our communit y. EXPANDING VETERINARY CARE Reallocated a Police Department position to support the addition of a second veterinarian, strengthening our ability to provide medical care for animals in our custody. STRENGTHENING BUREAU LEADERSHIP Transitioned the Bureau Administrator position from a sworn police captain to a civilian leadership role, allowing for specialized animal welfare expertise. SUPPORTING OUR IDENTITY Supporting the rebranding of the Animal Services Bureau to better reflect our mission, responsibilities, and the essential services we provide to the community. CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY Included Animal Services in Police Department community outreach initiatives, creating additional opportunities for education, engagement, and public awareness. One Bureau. Three Units. One Mission. 7 SHELTER UNIT Intake • Adoptions • Reunification • Community Resources Manager: Jessica Wilde Supervisors: Lauren Silliphant & Amanda Glaze Behavior Specialist: Lonald Casino Shelter Caretakers: 11 Positions (10FT & 1PT) | 7 Active • 4 Vacant Clerks: 6 Positions (5FT & 1PT) | 3 Active • 1 Medical Leave • 2 Vacant Behavior Caretaker: 1 Active FT Position Volunteers: 153 CARE UNIT Veterinary Care • Surgery • Disease Prevention Veterinarian: Tanya Patterson | 1 Vacancy Vet Technicians: Maghen Savage & Kory McKeel Vet Caretakers: 2 Active FT Positions ANIMAL PROTECTION UNIT Public Safety • Investigations • Enforcement • Education Field Supervisors: Adam Blankenship & Hannah Montalvo Administrative Supervisor: Kristina Watson 17 Officers | 10 Active • 6 Training • 1 Vacant 8 Our Volunteers Community Members Making a Difference Our youth and adult volunteers give their time, energy, and compassion to support our animals, staff, and community. Their involvement helps create a better future for the animals in our care. 153 ~ 5 2-3 Active Volunteers Volunteers Daily Hours Per Visit How Our Volunteers Make a Difference ANIMAL SOCIALIZATION & ENRICHMENT Provide companionship, playtime, and positive interactions to help animals feel more comfortable. DOG WALKING & PLAYGROUPS Spend time with our dogs, helping them exercise, explore, socialize, and practice positive behaviors. DAILY SHELTER SUPPORT Assist with laundry, organizing supplies, and other essential tasks that support daily shelter operations. COMMUNITY EVENTS & OUTREACH Support adoption events, outreach programs, and special events that connect with our community. 2025 Animal Intake by Species 9 Cats 1,912 Other Companion Animals 265 Equine 0 Livestock 0 Poultry 237 Dogs 2,203 Total Intakes (All Species)4,617 2025 Animal Adoptions and Transfers by Species 10 Dogs 871 93 Cats 889 402 Other Companion Animals 191 38 Poultry 17 0 Species Adoptions Transfers 2025 Adoptions 1,968 2025 Transfers 533 2026 Year-to -Date Animal Intakes & Outcomes by Species 11 Dogs/Puppies 1,605 754 110 Cats/Kittens 1,605 866 366 Other Companions 219 121 78 Livestock 1 0 0 Poultry 18 15 0 January 1st – October 07, 2026 (Excludes Wildlife) Species Intakes Adoptions Transfers Total 3,448 1,756 554 Year-to-Date Incoming for 2026 3,448 Year-to-Date Outgoing for 2026 2,310 Animal Protection Unit Calls for Service 12 Service Categories 2025 Calls Animal Bites 1,195 905 Animal Cruelty 912 679 Assist Citizen 1,854 1,117 Deceased Animal 2,217 1,624 Follow Up Investigation 1,386 706 Sick or Injured Animals 2,014 1,567 Stray Animals 3,468 2,672 Barking Dog 508 276 2026 Year-to-Date Calls 2025 Total Calls for Service 2026 Year-to-Date Calls for Service 14,727 10,211 Day Shift Night Shift Emergency Stand-by Duty 07:30AM – 06:00PM 12:00PM – 10:30PM 10:30PM – 07:30AM All Other Types 1,173 665 Community Rabies Vaccination & Microchip Clinics 13 Rabies Vaccinations 158 89 Microchips 70 41 Services Provided 2025 2026 YTD Total Services Provided 228 130 Community Support & Services 14 SHELTER’S PET PANTRY SAFETY NET TEAM & CRISIS BOARDING VOLUNTEER PROGRAM SHERIFF’S OFFICE PARTNERSHIP SPECIAL EVENTS & COMMUNITY OUTREACH Provides pet food and supplies to residents experiencing financial hardship. Helps keep pets with their families. Supports community members in need. Coordinates temporary boarding for pets when owners face emergencies or difficult circumstances. Provides temporary care and support. Helps keep pets safe during housing, medical, or other life challenges. Volunteers support animal enrichment, playgroups, socialization, and daily care. Playgroups help improve behavior and adoption success. Assist with shelter needs, provide enrichment, and attend special events. Eligible inmates perform community service hours at the shelter. Assist with laundry, dishwashing, and other shelter support tasks. Provide valuable operational support. Hosts and participates in community events. Increases visibility for adoptable animals. Builds community engagement and educational opportunities. 15 Community Partnerships: CAC Sponsorship & Donations Virginia Beach Police Department Citizens’ Advisory Committee Support from our community makes a direct and lasting impact on the animals in our care. 2026 YTD Total Donors 2026 YTD Donations Received 2026 YTD Payouts 114 $5,247.10 $10,629.73 How Donations Make a Difference Medical Care & Treatment Food & Supplies Enrichment & Care Items Spay/Neuter Support Behavior & Training Support Community Outreach The Adoption Process 16 Meet Our Animals Learn & Connect Going HOMEFinalize AdoptionMeet & Greet Application & Approval View adoptable animals online, visit the shelter, or meet them at off-site events. Our team provides information about each animal's personality, needs, and lifestyle fit. Spend time with your potential pet to ensure a good match for both you and the animal. Complete an adoption application. Our team reviews to ensure the best possible placement. Once approved, we finalize the adoption, provide important care information, and answer any questions. A new beginning! Our goal is to create safe, happy, and lasting homes for every animal. Adoptions Fees Go Home Ready Ongoing Support Other Ways to Help Help support the care of all animals in our shelter. Vaccinations. Spay/Neuter. Microchip. Health check. Behavior information. Our team is here to provide resources and answer questions after adoption to help ensure a successful transition. Foster-to-adopt. Foster a shelter pet. Attend adoption events. Share adoptable pets. Volunteer. Transfer Process & Partnerships 17 We work with trusted rescue organizations to transfer animals who are a good fit for their programs. These partnerships expand placement opportunities and give animals a second chance. RESCUE PARTNER TRANSFERS Looking Ahead APPOINTMENT-BASED SURRENDERS We are exploring an appointment-based surrender process to better manage intake and ensure we have the appropriate resources in place for each animal. IMPROVE PLANNING APPRORIATE RESOURCES REDUCE WAIT TIMES BETTER OUTCOMES Allows for better intake scheduling and preparation. Ensures we have adequate staffing, space, and supplies. Helps create a smoother and less stressful experience for the public. Allows more time to gather information and ensure each animal receives the care it needs. Rescue Partner 2026 YTD Transfers Billy the Kidden Rescue 83 Portsmouth Humane Society 78 Coastal Purrs 77 Total to These Partners 307 Virginia Beach SPCA 69 Where We Are Today 18 Capacity for Care Aligning animal population with available space, staffing, and resources. Community-First Mindset Meeting animals and their owners where they are during times of need. Cat Intake Protocols Updating procedures to support more thoughtful and effective intake decisions. Protection Unit Priorities Refocusing expectations and responsibilities to better serve the community. Animal Cruelty Registry Exploring a registry to promote accountability, help prevent repeat offenses, and strengthen animal protection. A Community-First Approach Our Current Priorities ANIMAL CRUELTY REGISTRY 19 PROPOSED REGISTRY Establish a publicly accessible registry identifying individuals convicted of qualifying animal cruelty misdemeanors. IMPLEMENTATION If approved, the registry could be developed and made available on the ASB website by February 2027. PURPOSE Promote accountability, increase public awareness, and provide an additional resource to help protect animals. MOVING FORWARD Seek City Council's support to proceed with developing and implementing the proposed registry. ANIMAL SERVICES BRANDING & VISIBILITY 20 FACILITY SIGNAGE Clearly identifying the City’s animal shelter.A consistent, recognizable field presence. Consistent identification across roles. ANIMAL SERICES PATCH A distinct identity for Aimal Service Officers. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION STAFF & VOLUNTEER APPAREL Consistent identification across roles.A distinct, professional identity for officers. ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICER PATCH Why We Do What We Do 21 “Being able to watch an animals recovery and know that I made a difference in improving their life.” “Shelter med makes me feel like I am helping in the community. These animals need love and care.” “To help the animals and help educate the public.” “The opportunity of helping animals by helping their humans navigate tough situations.” “Because I want to be a voice for the animals and protect those that can’t speak.” “It feels good to return a stray animal back to their owners and help a family in need.” “I enjoy doing laundry and knowing I’m helping all the animals be more comfortable and have a better shelter experience.” “I enjoy helping save lives, helping animals, helping their owners, and bringing positive to a negative situation.” 22Protecting Animals. Supporting People. Strengthening Our Community. QUESTIONS & DISCUSSION MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER THANK YOU! OUR COMMITMENT Protecting animals, supporting residents, and continuing to improve how Animal Services serves the Virginia Beach community. OUR REQUEST TO CITY COUNCIL Support moving forward with the proposed Animal Cruelty Registry, with a goal of implementation by February 2027.