The Division of Public Health Office of Animal Welfare is the animal control service provider for the City of Wilmington. Dog and dangerous dog control, animal cruelty, and rabies control, are provided by Animal Welfare Officers of Delaware Animal Services (DAS), the enforcement unit within the OAW.

Animal Control Enforcement

Report stray or dangerous dogs, animal cruelty, and cases in which a human has been exposed to the rabies virus. 

24-hour Hotline: (302) 255-4646

Hours:

• Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. to  8:00 p.m.
• Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

On-call officers are available for emergencies outside of normal business hours. 

NOTE: Please do not call the Wilmington Police Department for animal control.

Animal Welfare Resources 

Report non-emergency complaints online, purchase dog licenses, post lost or found animal reports, and find other animal welfare resources.

Website: https://animalservices.delaware.gov

Lost and Found Pet Registry

Help lost pets find their way home.

Website: https://animalservices.delaware.gov/lost

All animals picked up Animal Welfare Officers are immediately posted with a case number and instructions for retrieving lost pets. You may also post found or lost pets on the site.

Animals rescued by Delaware Animal Services will be taken to the OAW shelter partner, the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA), located at 600 South Street, New Castle, Delaware. The BVSPCA will hold the animal until the owner can be identified or until the animal can be placed into a new home.

The BVSPCA also provides a full service adoption center, low-cost wellness clinic, and special events to help animals and the community.

Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) Shelter

Website: www.bvspca.org.

Phone: (302) 516-1002

Location: 600 South Street, New Castle, DE 19720

Hours:

• Monday: CLOSED
• Tuesday - Friday: 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.