Hanover County, VA Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

Under Hanover County Code section 4-96, a releasing agency, including the county shelter or another rescue, cannot release a dog or cat for adoption unless the animal has already been sterilized, or the adopter signs a sterilization agreement. If the animal is sexually mature at adoption, sterilization is due within 30 days of the adoption; if it is not yet sexually mature, it is due within 30 days after the animal turns six months old. A releasing agency can extend the deadline 30 days if a veterinarian reports in writing that sterilization could jeopardize the animal's life or health, and the agency and veterinarian can negotiate further extensions for extenuating circumstances.

Section 4-97 requires the written agreement to name both parties, describe the animal, state the sterilization deadline, and print in bold that sterilization is mandatory under this article and Virginia Code chapter 65, article 10, and that a violation carries a civil penalty. Once the procedure is done, section 4-98 gives the new owner seven days to deliver the veterinarian's written confirmation to the releasing agency. If the animal is lost, stolen, or dies before it is sterilized, section 4-99 requires the owner to notify the releasing agency within seven days.

Section 4-100 exempts an owner reclaiming their own animal from a releasing agency, and exempts the county's transfer of animals to federal or state agencies or licensed dealers. Section 4-101 sets the civil penalties: $250 for failing to sterilize under section 4-96, $150 for failing to deliver confirmation under section 4-98, and $25 for failing to report a lost, stolen or dead animal under section 4-99.