Author: Jamie Ericksen & Gotcha Recovery and Rescue

🐾❤️🐾PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE THIS PETITION IN YOUR STATE. PLEASE KEEP ME AS THE AUTHOR AND CHANGE THE REPRESENTATIVES!🐾❤️🐾

The Problem

Every day, pets are lost on Virginia’s roads. For families, these pets are not just animals — they are beloved members of the family. Yet when tragedy strikes and a pet is struck by a vehicle, the system in place fails to provide families with closure, or show their adored family members compassion or respect. There is currently no standardized process for documenting or notifying owners when deceased pets are picked up by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). This must change.

Recent Tragedy: Zeus & Storm

Recently, two beloved dogs, Zeus and Storm, were struck and killed on Chesterfield roads. Both the owners and I, acting as a lost animal recovery specialist, called VDOT to open a case and request that they keep an eye out for the pets. Despite these efforts, the dogs had already been hit and picked up before we were able to intervene. VDOT did not notify the family directly; instead, they contacted me, TWO WEEKS LATER, and I had to inform the family. This left no chance for them to recover or cremate their pets and no closure for the family. In addition, multiple resources, money, and time were expended in their search.

Family Efforts and Lost Pet Recovery

Every effort must be made by VDOT and Animal Control when someone comes across a deceased cat, dog, or any family pet to reunite them with their family. Families already invest significant time, money, and energy into finding lost pets, including printing flyers, hiring drone operators, or even trackers using scent dogs. Sometimes I even pay for cremations myself, or with donations, so families do not have to experience the heartbreak of their pet being disposed of without proper care.

When people request my help to find their lost pets, one of the first steps I encourage is contacting VDOT to open a case and check if the pets were picked up. At the moment, it depends on who answers the phone at VDOT whether or not they take a report or open a case. It must be mandatory that VDOT takes reports from pet owners and keeps an eye out, while also notifying the family if the pet has been recovered. The report should also go to Animal Control. Essentially, a database monitored and cross‑referenced by VDOT, Animal Control, and the State Police — who sometimes pick up pets on parkways — should exist for every deceased pet and be available to Lost Animal Recovery Specialists to assist in reunification efforts.

VDOT must also actively coordinate with the State Police to recover these pets when they are found on parkways or other roadways under their jurisdiction.

Required Documentation & Microchip Scanning

VDOT must implement a standardized system to document all deceased pets. Required information includes color, breed if possible, tags and collar color, microchip number (if present), and photos for identification. VDOT should scan for microchips whenever possible and maintain detailed records, similar to the wildlife carcass tracking system already in place by VDOT.

Funding for microchip scanners will be provided if absolutely necessary. Volunteers may also donate to help fund scanners if needed. No pet should be adopted out or released by Animal Control without a microchip placed if none is present on intake. This will be at the actual cost of the microchip, paid by the owner when picking up their pet.

VDOT and Animal Control Partnership

It is essential that VDOT and Animal Control establish a partnership for handling deceased domestic animals. If VDOT collects a deceased pet after hours, it should be documented, stored safely, and transferred to Animal Control at the earliest opportunity the following business day. At every stage, these animals must be treated with dignity and respect — never as trash — to honor the love and value they held for their families.

Call to Action

Families deserve closure, and their pets deserve dignity and respect. This is not only about policy change — it’s about compassion, accountability, and doing what’s right.

We call upon the following officials to take immediate action to establish a humane and transparent system for handling deceased pets:

Governor Glenn Youngkin

Email: governor@governor.virginia.gov

Phone: 804‑786‑2211

Mailing: P.O. Box 1475, Richmond, VA 23218

Senator Siobhan Sturtevant

Email: senatorsturtevant@senate.virginia.gov

Phone: 804‑698‑7512

Mailing: P.O. Box 2535
Midlothian, Virginia 23113

 

Delegate Lamont Bagby

Email: district74@house.virginia.gov

Phone: 804‑698‑1074

Mailing: 9100 Forest Hill Ave #100, Richmond, VA 23235

Chairwoman Carrie Delaney

Email: cdelaney@chesterfield.gov

Phone: 804‑748‑1601

Mailing: 9800 Government Center Parkway, Chesterfield, VA 23832

Angela Deem Chief of Policy VDOT

angel.deem@vdot.virginia.gov

Michele Welch Senior Assistant Attorney General Director of Animal Welfare Law Unit

Email: mwelch@oag.state.va.us

(804) 225-4776 Office