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Henrico County, VA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

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

Key Facts

Prohibited pets
Foxes, skunks, raccoons
Code section
Henrico Code Sec. 5-199
Also banned
Import and sale in county
Reason
Rabies-vector species
Other exotics
State DWR permitting

Summary

Henrico County Code Sec. 5-199 makes it unlawful to confine or keep any fox, skunk or raccoon as a pet or otherwise, and bans importing or selling them in the county. These rabies-vector species are prohibited outright; other exotics are also governed by Virginia's restricted-species permitting.

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.

The transportation or importation of foxes, skunks and raccoons from other jurisdictions into the county, and the sale of foxes, skunks and raccoons in the county, is prohibited. It is unlawful for any person to confine or keep any fox, skunk or raccoon as a pet or otherwise.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Sec. 5-199 (Transportation, sale or keeping of foxes, skunks and raccoons) prohibits bringing these animals into Henrico from other jurisdictions, selling them in the county, and confining or keeping any fox, skunk or raccoon 'as a pet or otherwise.' These are high-risk rabies-vector species. Beyond that county ban, Virginia's Department of Wildlife Resources regulates possession of many other exotic and 'restricted' species by permit, and Va. Code Sec. 3.2-6500 sweeps exotic and native animals, reptiles and birds into the broad 'companion animal' definition subject to adequate-care duties. Venomous reptiles and other dangerous exotics may also face state and federal restrictions independent of the county code.

Violations & Fines

Keeping a fox, skunk or raccoon violates Sec. 5-199 and is enforced by Henrico Animal Protection Police, with the animal subject to seizure. State wildlife-possession violations carry separate penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a pet raccoon or fox in Henrico County?
No. Sec. 5-199 makes it unlawful to confine or keep any fox, skunk or raccoon as a pet or otherwise, and bars importing or selling them in the county.
What about other exotic animals?
Many other exotics require a Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources permit, and venomous or dangerous species face additional state and federal rules on top of the county code.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Henrico County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsHeavy RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionSome RestrictionsBeekeepingFew 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

Compare Henrico County to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview

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