Frederick County, VA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 48-3, Frederick County Code
- Penalty
- Class 4 misdemeanor (§ 48-10)
- Pack penalty
- Civil fine up to $100 per dog
- Hunting dogs
- Expressly exempt under § 48-3(E)
- Shelter hold
- 5 days before an unclaimed dog may be destroyed
Summary
Frederick County prohibits allowing a dog to run at large anywhere in the unincorporated county outside Winchester, Stephens City and Middletown, all year round, under § 48-3 of the County Code. A dog running loose in a pack with other at-large dogs draws an added civil penalty on top of the standard misdemeanor punishment, and the duty runs to owners and custodians alike.
It shall be unlawful to permit any dog to run at large within the County at any time during the year. Except as provided in Subsection B, any person who permits a dog to run at large shall be deemed to have violated the provisions of this subsection and be subject to punishment as provided in § 48-10. ... B. It shall also be unlawful to permit any dog to run at large in a pack within the County at any time during the year. ... Any person who permits a dog to run at large in a pack shall be deemed to have violated the provisions of this subsection and, in addition to the punishment as provided in § 48-10, be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $100 per dog so found. ... The provisions of this section shall not apply with respect to dogs used for hunting.
Full Breakdown
Section 48-3 defines "run at large" as roaming off the owner's or custodian's property and not under immediate control, and it is unlawful to permit that at any time of year, not just during a declared nuisance period. The Animal Control Officer and Deputy Animal Control Officers, who under § 48-2 are Deputy Sheriffs designated by the Sheriff, may catch and pen any dog found running at large. 2-11 sets for that classification, and § 48-3 separately makes it unlawful to let a vicious or destructive dog run loose at all, requiring the owner to keep such a dog confined on the premises.
2-6534. Dogs used for hunting are expressly excluded from § 48-3's duty. Once confined at the County-run animal shelter under § 48-4, a dog held for five days without being claimed may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of, and redemption requires the owner to produce a current dog license and a current rabies vaccination certificate before the animal is released.
Violations & Fines
Running a dog at large is a Class 4 misdemeanor under § 48-10, tied to the criminal classification in Va. Code § 18.2-11. Running a dog at large in a pack adds a civil penalty of up to $100 per dog under § 48-3(B). A dog impounded under § 48-4 that goes unclaimed for five days may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of by the Animal Control Officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Frederick County require dogs to be leashed?
Are hunting dogs exempt from the at-large ban?
What happens if my dog is caught running at large?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Frederick County
Compare Frederick County to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview
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