Suffolk, VA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed In Home
- Fish, cats, birds, rodents
- Reptiles
- Non-poisonous only
- Exotic Permit
- VA DWR required
- Native Wildlife
- Not kept as pets
- Code
- UDO Sec. 31-702(d)
Summary
Suffolk's code recognizes which small animals may be kept in a residence, including fish, cats, small birds, rodents, and non-poisonous snakes and lizards, while Virginia requires a state Wildlife Resources permit to possess most wild and nonnative exotic animals. UDO Sec. 31-702(d).
The requirements of Subsection (1) above shall not apply to those small animals kept within a residence, including fish, cats, small birds (parakeets, parrots), rodents (mice, rats) and reptiles (non-poisonous snakes, lizards).
(3) Dogs confined in kennels shall not be kept closer than ten feet to any property line.
(e) KENNELS. Facilities for the boarding of all dogs and other household pets shall conform to the following:
(1) No barn, shelter or building used for boarding of said animals or the storage of feed and supplies shall be located closer than thirty (30) feet from any property line.
(2) Animal wastes shall not be stored outside.
(3) The area used for exercising or training of said animals shall be securely fenced to prevent the animals from straying or a suitable restraint shall be provided to prevent straying.
(f) INTENSIVE LIVESTOCK, DAIRY, POULTRY FACILITIES.
(1) INTENT. It is the intent of this Chapter of this zoning Ordinance to encourage economic development and to preserve farmland by providing for the viability of City of Suffolk agricultural sector by encouraging the orderly and responsible growth of its livestock, dairy and poultry industry. Within the Agricultural district and the agricultural classification, all agricultural production activities (e.g. tillage, crop production, harvesting, pasturing of animals, etc.), related best management practices and minor processing
Full Breakdown
Suffolk Unified Development Ordinance Sec. 31-702(d)(2) treats small animals kept within a residence, including fish, cats, small birds such as parakeets and parrots, rodents, and non-poisonous snakes and lizards, as ordinary household pets, which by implication leaves venomous reptiles and larger wild species outside what a home may keep. Possession of most wild and nonnative exotic animals is controlled by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources: Va. Code Sec. 29.1-542 and regulation 4VAC15-30-40 require a special permit to import or possess species the state declares predatory or undesirable, and native mammals such as raccoons, foxes, and skunks cannot be kept as pets.
Violations & Fines
Possessing a prohibited or unpermitted wild or exotic animal can bring charges and seizure by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, plus local zoning penalties for keeping animals not allowed in the district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an exotic pet in Suffolk?
Are pet snakes allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Suffolk
Compare Suffolk to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview
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