Fairfax County, VA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 41.1-4-1, Fairfax County Code
- Penalty
- Class 4 misdemeanor
- Exceptions
- Service animals, zoos, circuses, licensed exhibitors
- Disposal option
- Surrender to Animal Services or zoo
Summary
Fairfax County bans keeping any wild, exotic, or vicious animal as a pet, with narrow exceptions for a single certified service animal, zoological parks, circuses, and federally or state-licensed exhibitors.
No person shall keep or permit to be kept any wild, exotic or vicious animal, as those terms are defined in Section 41.1-1-1, for any purposes, except that this prohibition shall not apply to (i) a single certified service animal in a household, (ii) zoological parks, (iii) traveling animal exhibitions, (iv) circuses or (v) individuals, organizations, or veterinary clinics that are properly licensed or permitted by an agency of the Federal Government or Commonwealth of Virginia...
Full Breakdown
Section 41.1-4-1 of the County Code makes it unlawful to keep or permit to be kept any wild, exotic, or vicious animal in Fairfax County for any purpose. The only exceptions are a single certified service animal in a household, zoological parks, traveling animal exhibitions, circuses, and individuals or organizations properly licensed by the federal government or Commonwealth of Virginia, such as wildlife rehabilitators. Licensed exhibitors may not let the public pet or touch their animals. Anyone illegally keeping a wild or exotic animal must remove it from the County, surrender it to a zoological park, or release it to the Department of Animal Services.
Violations & Fines
Violating this Article is a Class 4 misdemeanor under Section 41.1-1-3 unless another penalty is specified, and the County can order removal or surrender of the animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a pet fox or raccoon in Fairfax County?
What happens if I'm caught with a banned exotic animal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
Compare Fairfax County to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview
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