Melfa, VA – In a rural corner of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, a dedicated team of animal welfare professionals works tirelessly to give hope to some of the region’s most vulnerable creatures. The Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility, located at 28167 Beacon Road in Melfa, serves as a crucial safety net for lost, abandoned, and surrendered animals across Northampton and Accomack counties.
As an open intake shelter, the facility never turns away an animal in need – a commitment that sets them apart in an era when many shelters must limit admissions due to space constraints. This policy means that every stray dog found wandering country roads, every litter of kittens discovered in an abandoned barn, and every pet whose family can no longer care for them has a place to go.
Being an open intake facility means they are here for every animal that needs us, no matter the circumstances. This approach reflects the reality of rural animal welfare, where resources may be limited, but the need for compassionate care remains constant.
The facility’s work extends far beyond simply housing animals. Their comprehensive approach includes medical care, behavioral assessment, and extensive efforts to reunite lost pets with their families. For animals that cannot return home, the dedicated staff works to find suitable adoptive families who can provide loving, permanent homes.

This adorable pocket Rottweiler / Doberman? Is only 20lb and won’t get any bigger. She is full of life, and energy. She would benefit from an active household, and she loves dogs!
She is very easy to walk, housebroken in our kennels, playful, and extremely affectionate. Email jwinn@co.accomack.va.us to meet her!
The Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility’s service area encompasses both Northampton and Accomack counties, covering hundreds of square miles of rural and coastal communities. This geographic scope presents unique challenges, from responding to calls in remote areas to managing the seasonal influx of animals that often accompanies tourist season along the coast.
The facility coordinates closely with local law enforcement, animal control officers, and community volunteers to ensure that animals throughout the region receive the care they need. Whether it’s a cat colony that needs management or a dog hit by a car that requires immediate medical attention, the team responds with professionalism and compassion.
Adoption and Surrender Services
Recognizing that both adoptions and surrenders require careful consideration and planning, the facility operates by appointment to ensure that each animal and family receives personalized attention. Prospective adopters and those needing to surrender pets can contact jwinn@co.accomack.va.us to schedule appointments.
This appointment-based system allows staff to spend quality time with potential adopters, helping to match families with pets that suit their lifestyle and living situation. It also ensures that surrender situations are handled with sensitivity and care, often providing resources to help families keep their pets when possible.
The Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility represents more than just an animal shelter – it’s a cornerstone of community welfare. By providing a safe haven for animals in crisis, the facility helps maintain public health and safety while demonstrating the community’s commitment to compassionate treatment of all living creatures.
Local residents can support the facility’s mission in various ways, from considering adoption to volunteering time and resources. The facility also serves as an educational resource, helping community members understand responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering.
Contact Information
The Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility is located at 28167 Beacon Road, Melfa, VA.
For adoption and surrender appointments, email jwinn@co.accomack.va.us
General inquiries: (757) 787-7091 or accomackanimalcontrol@gmail.com
The facility’s commitment to serving as an open intake shelter for Northampton and Accomack counties ensures that no animal in need goes without hope. In a world where abandoned and lost pets face uncertain futures, the Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility stands as a beacon of compassion and second chances.
The Eastern Shore Regional Animal Control Facility continues to accept animals in need and works daily to find loving homes for pets awaiting adoption. Community support through adoptions, volunteering, and donations helps ensure this vital service continues to serve the region’s most vulnerable animals.
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