Prince William County, VA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Rabies vaccine
- Required over 4 months (Sec. 4-62)
- Cat license
- Not required
- Leash law
- None for cats
- Trespass
- Barred after notice (Sec. 4-4)
- Cruelty
- VA Code 3.2-6570
Summary
Prince William County requires cats over four months old to have a current rabies vaccination (Code Sec. 4-62). There is no cat leash law, but owners cannot let a cat repeatedly trespass on a neighbor's property after being asked to stop (Sec. 4-4).
It is unlawful for any person to own, keep or hold or harbor any dog or domesticated cat over the age of four months that do not have a current rabies vaccination administered by a veterinarian.
Full Breakdown
Domesticated cats over four months of age must carry a current rabies vaccination administered by a veterinarian under PWC Code Sec. 4-62 - the same rule that applies to dogs. Cats are not required to be licensed or leashed the way dogs are, so free-roaming cats are generally lawful. However, Sec. 4-4 (Trespass by animals) makes it unlawful for an owner to allow any animal, including a cat, to trespass on another person's property after the property owner or tenant has asked that it not be allowed to trespass. Community/feral cat colonies fall under Virginia's trap-neuter-return framework and Animal Services policy. Animal cruelty toward cats is covered by VA Code Sec. 3.2-6570.
Violations & Fines
Owning an unvaccinated cat over four months old violates Sec. 4-62 and can bring a citation and impoundment until compliance. Repeated cat trespass after notice is enforceable under Sec. 4-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats need rabies shots in Prince William County?
Can my neighbor's cat roam onto my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince William County
Compare Prince William County to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview
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