Animal Control provides for the safety and welfare of residents and follows county ordinances as they apply to domestic animals. The County operates the Hazel Y. Clark Patrick County Public Animal Shelter, a shelter for the specialized care of animals in custody. Animal Control enforces Virginia state code Section 3.2-6574 that all animals are to be sterilized upon adoption. The shelter provides temporary care for homeless or unwanted animals until they are adopted, placed with an animal rescue organization, or euthanized. The shelter provides assistance in locating lost or stolen pets.