Chesterfield's running-at-large ordinance targets dogs, not cats, so there is no cat leash law. But Virginia Code § 3.2-6521 requires every cat four months or older to be currently vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
Chesterfield County's leash and running-at-large rule (§ 4-23) applies to dogs; cats are not subject to a countywide leash or confinement law. However, state law makes rabies vaccination mandatory: under Virginia Code § 3.2-6521 the owner of every dog and cat four months of age or older must keep it currently vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Cats should wear ID, and nuisance or feral-cat issues are handled by Animal Services. Vaccination certificates must be produced on request.
Failing to vaccinate a cat against rabies is a Class 4 misdemeanor under Virginia law, enforced by Animal Services.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Chesterfield County, VA
Backyard composting of yard and food waste is allowed in Chesterfield County and promoted as a waste-reduction practice. Compost must be kept so it does not ...
Chesterfield County, VA
Chesterfield County has no ordinance banning residential artificial turf. Synthetic lawns are generally allowed, subject to zoning, stormwater and drainage r...
Chesterfield County, VA
Chesterfield County does not require homeowners to plant native species in ordinary yards, but native and regionally appropriate plants are required for rest...
Chesterfield County, VA
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Chesterfield County. There is no ordinance banning rain barrels or cisterns for residential lawn and garden u...
Chesterfield County, VA
Virginia has no statewide mandatory lawn-watering ban. Chesterfield County Utilities issues conservation measures during drought; as of summer 2026 restricti...
Chesterfield County, VA
Chesterfield County Code prohibits uncontrolled weeds and grass. Occupied residential lots under one-half acre are limited to 12 inches; vacant developed and...
See how Chesterfield County's cat rules rules stack up against other locations.
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