Portsmouth Humane Society- About Us

Our Location
4022 Seaboard Ct.
Portsmouth, VA 23701
(757) 397-6004
(757) 397-1900 Fax

Hours of Operation
Monday 12pm - 5pm
Wednesday 12pm - 7pm
Thursday 12pm - 5pm
Friday 12pm - 5pm
Saturday 12pm - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm
Closed Tuesdays
Surrenders by appointment only

Tax ID: 54-0560059

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The Portsmouth Humane Society is one of the longest-serving Humane Societies in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Portsmouth Humane Society (PHS) is dedicated to caring for homeless animals in the community by promoting their adoptions into loving, permanent homes. PHS provides humane education and community outreach programs so that we may begin to decrease the pet overpopulation.

PHS

Our Mission
To provide shelter, care and treatment to homeless animals in the
City of Portsmouth community through permanent adoptions,
spay/neuter programs, and community education.

Open Admission Policy

Portsmouth Humane Society (PHS) is an Open Admission humane society, meaning we will never turn away an animal that comes to our doors. We give each and every one of our animals a health exam and a temperament test before placing the animal for adoption. We provide them with veterinary care, if needed, as well as food, water, vaccinations and care.

There are no time limits for any of the animals in our care. They may stay at PHS as long as it takes for them to find a permanent, forever home. We have had animals stay for over a year. As long as the animal is happy and healthy, they can consider PHS their home.

As an Open Admission shelter we will take any animal from the City of Portsmouth- including animals who are sick, severely injured or too aggressive to be placed for adoption. Limited Admission shelters may choose to not accept unhealthy animals or those with behavioral problems. Animals who may be turned away at a No-Kill facility are given an opportunity for rehabilitation at our Open Admission shelter.

Unfortunately, not all animals may be rehabilitated. Whether they suffer from a critical illness or injury or they show signs of severe aggression, we feel that euthanasia is the most humane alternative to suffering and pain while being limited to life in a cage. We do not euthanize any adoptable or treatable animal. Our goal at Portsmouth Humane Society is to provide the best and most thorough care to each animal as they wait for their forever homes.

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Christie Chipps Peters
Executive Director

Pet Adoptions

Animal Care Manager

Volunteer Manager

1.How do I surrender my animal?
2. I have a stray cat in my yard. Can PHS come get it?
3. If you want the animals to all have good homes, why not just give them away?
4. Does the Portsmouth Humane Society adopt animals to anyone?
5.Does my pet need a license in the City of Portsmouth and where can I buy them?
6.How can I get my pet spayed/neutered?
7. I am in the Military and am deploying. What are the options for my pet?

1.How do I surrender my animal?
Surrendering your pet to PHS should be your last resort. Please attempt to find your animal a home by asking friends, family, co-workers or by placing an ad in Craigslist. If you must surrender your animal, contact us at (757) 397-6004 to set up an appointment to surrender your animal. We only accept animals from the City of Portsmouth (proof of residency required).
Surrender Process:
1. Bring your pet's complete vet records, including proof of rabies, as well as any medications
they may need.
2. Describe the animal's behavior with the adoption counselor. This includes what the animal likes, dislikes, temperament and other personality traits.

PHS requires a surrender fee of $50 per animal.
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2. I have a stray animals in my yard. Can PHS come catch it?
No. Please contact Portsmouth Animal Control at (757)393-8430. Once captured, the animal will be brought to our shelter, held for a period of time mandated by state code and will then be available for adoption.
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3. If you want the animals to all have good homes, why not just give them away?
Adoption fees help to cover the expense of sheltering, feeding, vaccinating and caring for our animals. Also, veterinary care can be expensive, especially in emergencies. Adoption fees show an ability and willingnesson the part of the adopter to financially support the animal.
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4. I do not live in Portsmouth. Can I adopt from PHS?
If you would like to adopt an animal from our shelter but live in a city that is not adjacent to Portsmouth, we can work with you to make sure that you are able to adopt the right animal for you.
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5.Does my pet need a license in the City of Portsmouth and where can I buy them?
A license is required for dogs but not for cats in the City of Portsmouth. A dog license can be purchased at our shelter during normal business hours for a small fee. You may also go directly to the City of Portsmouth's Treasurer's office. Proof of current rabies vaccinations is required.
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6. How can I get my pet spayed/neutered?
PHS does not have a vet clinic on property. Peta's mobile SNIP Van will be at PHS 2 days a month to spay/neuter animals from the community. Please contact (757) 397-6004 to set an appointment or click here for more details.
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7. I am in the Military and am deploying. What are options do I have for my pet?
Before you make an appointment to surrender your animal please know you have another choice!

Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pets
Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pets specifically formed to support deploying heros, veterans, and their pets when there is no other option except the uncertain future of shelter placement. The tragic dilemma of literally thousands of pets being abandoned due to hardship circumstances is a reality that needs a solution and this is the mission of GASP.
Please visit their site, www.guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org, click on “Submit-A-Pet” to learn more.

NetPets.org
Net Pets is a nation-wide & global network of individual foster homes that will house, nurture and care for dogs, cats, birds, horses and all other pets for Military personnel while they are deployed. Please visit their site at www.netpets.org to learn more.

Care.com
Care.com provides a source to find local petsitters in your area. Visit www.care.com to learn more.