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Fairfax County, VA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Vaccination age
4 months and older
Cat license
Not required (dogs only)
Proof required
On officer's demand

Summary

Fairfax County requires every cat 4 months or older to be currently vaccinated against rabies; unlike dogs, cats need no county license or tag.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Fairfax County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Unless exempt pursuant to Virginia law, the owner or custodian of each dog and domesticated cat 4 months of age and older shall have it currently vaccinated against rabies. For the purposes of this section, currently vaccinated means the animal was (i) vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian or a licensed veterinary technician under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian on the premises and (ii) the animal was vaccinated and revaccinated in accordance with the current National Association of State Public Health Veterinarian's Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control or as described on the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved vaccine label. The supervising veterinarian on the premises shall provide the owner or custodian of the dog or domesticated cat with a certificate of vaccination. The owner or custodian of the dog or domesticated cat shall promptly furnish, upon the request of an animal control officer, humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, State Veterinarian's representative, or Director of Health, the certificate of vaccination for such dog or cat.

Source: Fairfax County CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Fairfax County Code Section 41.1-2-1 requires the owner or custodian of every domesticated cat 4 months of age or older to keep it currently vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, unless exempt under Virginia law. Owners must produce the certificate of vaccination on request from an animal control officer, humane investigator, law-enforcement officer, or the Director of Health. The county's dog-licensing tax in Section 41.1-2-2 applies only to dogs. Fairfax County does not require cats to be licensed or tagged.

Violations & Fines

Failing to vaccinate a cat against rabies, or to produce proof on demand, can result in a summons; a court may dismiss the charge if a valid certificate is later produced under Section 41.1-2-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fairfax County require cats to be licensed?
No: only dogs need a county license tag; cats just need current rabies vaccination under Section 41.1-2-1.
What age must a cat be vaccinated against rabies?
4 months of age or older, per Section 41.1-2-1.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fairfax County

All Fairfax County rules

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