Fairfax County, VA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- 2 dogs
- No lot-size minimum
- 4 dogs
- 10,000 sq ft lot minimum
- 6 dogs
- 12,500 sq ft lot minimum
- More than 6 dogs
- Up to 25,000 sq ft + 5,000/dog
Summary
Fairfax County zoning caps the number of dogs per lot, from two dogs with no lot-size minimum up to 25,000 square feet or more for keeping more than six dogs six months or older.
(a) The total number of dogs on-site must comply with the limits shown in the table below. These limits apply regardless of the ownership of any of the dogs. Only dogs six months or older in age are counted towards these limits. Maximum Number 2 ... No requirement ... 4 ... 10,000 square feet ... 6 ... 12,500 square feet ... More than 6 ... 25,000 square feet plus 5,000 square feet for each dog above 7
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published.
Full Breakdown
The Zoning Ordinance regulates dog-keeping as an accessory residential use under Section 4102.7.J(2). Any lot may keep up to two dogs with no minimum lot size; larger numbers require progressively bigger lots, 10,000 square feet for four dogs, 12,500 square feet for six, and up to 25,000 square feet plus 5,000 additional square feet for each dog beyond seven. Only dogs six months or older count toward the cap, regardless of ownership. Keeping more than four companion animals for a fee crosses into a licensed animal boarding, breeding, or recreation establishment, a separate use category.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the dog limit is a zoning infraction; the county can order the excess animals removed and assess a civil penalty of $200 for a first violation and $500 for each repeat offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs can I own in Fairfax County?
Do puppies count toward the dog limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
Compare Fairfax County to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview
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