Virginia Beach, VA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- 6foot Maximum Leash
- 6-foot maximum leash required on all public property
- Dogs Banned From
- Dogs banned from Resort Area beaches (2nd-42nd St) Memorial Day to Labor
- Offleash Only In
- Off-leash only in designated dog parks (Red Wing, Woodstock, Bayville Farms)
- Firstoffense Fines Typically
- First-offense fines typically $50; at-large impoundment $35+ reclaim fee
- Waste Cleanup Mandatory
- Waste cleanup mandatory — separate $50 violation for failure
Summary
Virginia Beach City Code requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when on public property, including streets, sidewalks, parks, and the oceanfront boardwalk. Dogs are prohibited from the Resort Area beaches (2nd to 42nd Streets) from Memorial Day through Labor Day between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Off-leash activity is only permitted in designated dog parks (Red Wing Park, Woodstock Park, Bayville Farms Park, and others). Violations carry fines starting at $50 plus Animal Control fees. Leash law enforcement is handled by Animal Control at (757) 385-4444.
Governing body of any locality may prohibit dogs from running at large; civil penalty. Any locality may by ordinance prohibit the running at large of all or any category of dogs, except dogs used for hunting, in all or any designated portion of such locality during such months as it may designate. Any such locality may also require that dogs be confined, restricted, or penned up during such periods. For the purpose of this section, a dog shall be 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. Any person who permits his dog to run at large or remain unconfined, unrestricted, or not penned up shall be deemed to have violated an ordinance adopted pursuant to the provisions of this section.
Full Breakdown
Virginia Beach leash laws are codified in City Code Chapter 5 (Animals and Fowl) and enforced by Virginia Beach Animal Control. Dogs must be on a leash not exceeding 6 feet when on any public property including streets, sidewalks, parks (unless designated off-leash areas), school grounds, and the oceanfront boardwalk. The leash must be physically held by a person capable of controlling the dog. Retractable leashes are permitted but must be locked at 6 feet or less in public areas. Seasonal beach restrictions are significant in Virginia Beach: dogs are prohibited from the Resort Area beaches between 2nd Street and 42nd Street from Memorial Day through Labor Day (May through September) during daytime hours, typically 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Outside peak season and outside these hours, leashed dogs are permitted on the sand. Sandbridge Beach, Croatan Beach, Chic's Beach, and North End beaches have varying seasonal rules, always check signage. The boardwalk has year-round leash requirements. Designated off-leash dog parks in Virginia Beach include: Red Wing Park (General Booth Boulevard), Woodstock Park (Providence Road), Bayville Farms Park (First Court Road), and City View Park. These are fenced, free to use, and open dawn to dusk. Dogs must be licensed (see licensing), vaccinated against rabies, and under owner control in dog parks.
Dogs at large (running loose) can be impounded; reclaim fees start at $35 plus $15/day boarding plus any veterinary costs. First-offense leash violations typically carry $50 fines, escalating with repeated violations. Aggressive off-leash dogs may trigger dangerous dog proceedings. 5-44. Waste cleanup is mandatory in all public areas; failure to clean up after a dog is a separate $50 violation.
Violations & Fines
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Virginia Beach code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog to the Virginia Beach oceanfront?
Where can I let my dog off leash legally?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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