What are Virginia’s pet-related laws?

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Walking your dog? Looking for ways to protect your pet while out and about? Virginia has various laws concerning pet ownership, including leash laws, rules for dog breeders and housing protections, especially for those with assistance animals.

8News compiled some tips and information that pet owners in the Commonwealth need to know.

Leash laws

While there are no statewide leash laws in the Commonwealth, local jurisdictions can enact laws requiring that owners keep their dogs on leashes or otherwise restrained, according to the Code of Virginia.

Localities in Virginia may enact leash laws directly. In rare cases, they may choose to hold an optional non-binding public referendum, but this is not required by law.

According to the Code of Virginia, the local government does not have to follow the sense of voters. They are allowed to gauge public vote and opinion.

Commercial dog breeding regulations

In Virginia, there are no statewide breed-specific restrictions for owning a dog, but there are general commercial dog breed regulations, and localities may also have their own laws.

According to the Code of Virginia, the following are the six regulations for commercial dog breeders:

• Maintain no more than 50 dogs over the age of one year at any time for breeding purposes. However, a higher number of dogs may be allowed if approved by local ordinance after a public hearing. Any such ordinance may include additional requirements for commercial breeding operations;
• Breed female dogs only: (i) after annual certification by a licensed veterinarian that the dog is in suitable health for breeding; (ii) after the dog has reached the age of 18 months; and (iii) if the dog has not yet reached the age of 8 years;
• Dispose of dogs only by gift, sale, transfer, barter or euthanasia by a licensed veterinarian
• Dispose of deceased dogs in accordance with § 3.2-6554;
• Dispose of dog waste in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations; and
• Maintain accurate records for at least five years including
  • The date on which a dog enters the operation;
  • The person from whom the animal was purchased or obtained, including the address and phone number of such person;
  • A description of the animal, including the species, color, breed, sex and approximate age and weight;
  • Any tattoo, microchip number or other identification number carried by or appearing on the animal;
  • Each date that puppies were born to such animal and the number of puppies;
  • All medical care and vaccinations provided to the animal, including certifications required by a licensed veterinarian under this chapter; and
  • The disposition of each animal and the date.

Dangerous or vicious dog laws

Virginia has some dangerous dog laws, which apply based on a dog's behavior, not breed.

If a dog injures a person or another animal, it may be legally designated a "dangerous dog" and subject to registration, containment and insurance requirements -- all under the Code of Virginia.

The law reportedly distinguishes between "dangerous -- injured a domestic animal or caused injury to a person -- and "vicious -- caused serious injury or death to a person.

Owners of dangerous dogs should follow specific regulations, which include muzzling in public or confinement. They must also obtain a dangerous dog tag, provide proof of liability insurance or bond and post warning signs.

Housing rules

Landlords are allowed to establish pet policies for their rental properties. This includes whether to allow pets, the types of pets allowed and any fees.

However, like most establishments, landlords must make reasonable accommodations under Virginia and federal laws for tenants with disabilities who require an assistance animal.

Emotional support animals (ESAs) may be included, provided the tenant supplies proper documentation from a licensed healthcare provider, according to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (VDOR).

This may include waiving pet fees or breed restrictions. However, tenants are still responsible if their animals damage the apartment in any way.

The department added that animals can be any size breed, or weight and must not be a threat to other residents or property.

If you're wondering if a resident might be asked to remove the animal from the property, it is possible.

The department said, "If the resident does not comply with the rules governing assistance animals, the housing provider may issue a 21-30 notice to the resident. The resident then has 30 days to correct the action or behavior of the animal."

Animal control penalties and enforcement

Violations of leash laws or dangerous dog statutes can lead to fines, impoundment or even a court order.

Some individuals found guilty of misdemeanor animal cruelty can face potential bans from owning animals for up to five years, per the Code of Virginia. Those convicted can face a lifetime ban from owning animals.

Owners may need to pay restitution to cover costs related to injuries or harm caused by their animal and are held liable in both civil and criminal courts if their animal causes injury or death. 

In severe cases, a court may order a dangerous dog to be euthanized if it poses a significant threat to public safety.

Animal control officers, deputy animal control officers, and humane investigators are responsible for enforcing animal control laws, according to the Code of Virginia.