Fairfax County, VA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Fairfax County operates under a comprehensive leash law: dogs must be on a leash whenever they are off the owner's property, including in public parks, on sidewalks, on trails, and on neighbor's property. Voice control alone is not a defense outside the owner's premises except in officially designated off-leash dog parks. Fairfax County operates more than a dozen off-leash dog parks (including Grist Mill, South Run, Chandon, Blake Lane, Kingstowne, and Monticello) where dogs may run free subject to park rules requiring current rabies vaccination and county license. Virginia Code §3.2-6538 is the enabling statute. Violations of the leash law are Class 4 misdemeanors with fines up to $250 for first offense, escalating with repeat violations. Animal Protection Police officers may impound dogs running at large; impound fees plus daily boarding are charged for retrieval at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. Dogs causing injury or livestock damage while running at large can trigger dangerous dog proceedings under Virginia Code §3.2-6540. Retractable leashes are permitted but must be kept at a reasonable length in crowded areas.