Virginia Beach requires rabies vaccination for cats over four months but does not mandate licensing or leashing. Free-roaming cats are allowed, though trespassing complaints can prompt animal control responses.
Under Virginia Beach City Code Chapter 5, cat owners must vaccinate cats against rabies once they reach four months of age, per Virginia Code 3.2-6521. Unlike dogs, cats are not subject to a citywide leash law, so indoor-outdoor cats are common. However, owners remain responsible for damage caused by their pets. Animal Control can impound stray cats, and the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center operates a TNR (trap-neuter-return) program for community cats with partner rescues. Owners reclaiming impounded cats pay boarding fees.
Failure to vaccinate is a Class 4 misdemeanor with fines up to $250. Impound fees start around $25 per day plus reclaim charges at the adoption center.
Virginia Beach, VA
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