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

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Code section
Henrico Code Sec. 5-29(6)
Standard
Immediate control, not leash-specific
Applies
Countywide, all year
Pack penalty
$100 civil per dog
Offense level
Class 4 misdemeanor

Summary

Henrico County Code Sec. 5-29(6) prohibits any dog (except hunting dogs) from running at large countywide, year-round. A dog is 'at large' when off the owner's property and not under the owner's or custodian's immediate control. Violation is a Class 4 misdemeanor.

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

It is prohibited for any dog ... to run at large within the county at any time during any month of the year. For the purposes of this subsection, a dog is deemed to run at large while roaming or running off the property of its owner or custodian and not under its owner's or custodian's immediate control.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Because Henrico has no incorporated towns, the County Code governs every resident. Sec. 5-29(6) bans dogs from running at large 'within the county at any time during any month of the year.' Sec. 5-1 defines 'At large' as off the owner's premises and not controlled by leash, cord or chain, or not under immediate control. A dog is not at large inside a county-designated off-leash, fenced dog exercise area. Owners who let a dog run loose in a pack of two or more face an added $100 civil penalty per dog. Dog owners must also license each dog four months or older (Sec. 5-49, $10 lifetime license) and keep rabies vaccination current (Sec. 5-90).

Violations & Fines

Class 4 misdemeanor under Sec. 5-29. Running at large in a pack carries an additional $100 civil penalty per dog. Animal Protection Police may seize dogs found at large.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Henrico County require dogs to be leashed?
The ordinance requires 'immediate control,' not strictly a leash. But a dog off your property that is not under your immediate control is 'at large' and violates Sec. 5-29(6).
Are there off-leash areas in Henrico?
Yes. A dog is not deemed 'running at large' if it and its owner are within a county-designated off-leash, fenced dog exercise area, per Sec. 5-29(6).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Henrico County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionSome RestrictionsBeekeepingFew RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions

All Henrico County rules

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