What state law in Virginia says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
Only officials such as police, animal control or firefighters are authorised to break in to rescue an animal; a bystander should call 911 rather than break a window.
Animals covered: Companion animal
Yes. Virginia requires dogs and cats 4 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years).
What the law says: All dogs and cats 4 months of age and older VA Code Ann. § 3.2-6521
Medical exemptions: The Board of Health shall, by regulation, provide an exemption to the requirements of subsection A if an animal suffers from an underlying medical condition that is likely to result in a life-threatening condition in response to vaccination and such exemption would not risk public health and safety. For the purposes of § 3.2-6522, such exemption shall mean that the animal is considered not…
Yes — Virginia bans breed-specific rules. No locality may prohibit owning a particular breed, and no dog is dangerous solely because of its breed.
Virginia has no dog-bite strict liability statute. Under the “one-bite” rule and negligence law, an injured person usually has to show the owner knew — or should have known — the dog was dangerous, or was careless in controlling it.
Yes. Virginia lets a court include pets in a domestic-violence protective order (since 2014) — for example by giving the petitioner care of the animal and ordering the abuser not to harm or take it.
In 2014, Virginia amended its Protective Order laws to grant petitioners possession of any “companion animal," so long as the petitioner is considered the owner. Companion animals include any family pets, such as dogs, cats, hamsters, etc., but do not include farm animals. To be considered an owner, a petitioner must either have a property interest in the animal, keep or house the animal, have the animal in their care, or have acted as a custodian of the animal. This new provision is now included in Virginia's Emergency Protective Orders, Preliminary Protective Orders, and Protective Orders.
VA Code Ann.§§ 16.1-253, 16.1-253.1, 16.1-253.4, 16.1-279.1, 19.2-152.8, 19.2-152.9, and 19.2-152.10 · Compare all states →
Virginia has no statewide ban on pet stores selling dogs and cats. Some cities and counties have their own bans — check locally before buying from a store, and ask where the puppy came from.
Yes. Dogs entering Virginia need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) from a vet, issued within 10 days of entry. Dogs over 4 months old must have a current rabies vaccination. Both 1 and 3 year vaccinations are accepted.
As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:
Yes. Virginia makes it unlawful to own a dog 4 months or older that isn’t licensed; licences are issued by the county or city treasurer with proof of rabies vaccination.
Virginia has no statewide leash law. Any locality may prohibit dogs from running at large or require leashes by ordinance.
Virginia caps a security deposit, however it is labelled, at two months' rent.
Licenses, pet limits, leash and barking rules are mostly set locally:
When FDA announces a dog or cat food recall, we email you the brand, the product and what to do.
Or follow the RSS feedGeneral information, not legal advice. Local authorities in Virginia may have stricter rules.
