Fairfax, VA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Virginia has preempted all local breed-specific legislation by statute. Virginia Code Section 3.2-6540.1 provides that no canine or canine crossbreed shall be found dangerous or vicious solely because of its breed, and no locality may adopt or enforce any ordinance, policy, resolution, or requirement that classifies a dangerous or vicious dog based upon breed. The City of Fairfax, as a Dillon Rule locality, has no authority to restrict pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, or any other breed based on breed alone. All dogs in the city are subject to the same leash, licensing, rabies vaccination, and dangerous dog rules. A dangerous dog finding under Virginia Code 3.2-6540 is based on documented behavior, such as an unprovoked bite or attack, and triggers registration, secure confinement, signage, insurance, and microchipping requirements that apply to any breed. Insurance and housing may still impose private breed restrictions outside the scope of the ordinance. Landlords, condo associations, and HOAs can enforce breed rules as contracts even though the city cannot.