Virginia Beach limits dogs to four per household in most residential zones unless the property qualifies as agricultural or the owner obtains a kennel license through Planning and Animal Control.
Under Virginia Beach City Code Chapter 5 and the City Zoning Ordinance, residential lots are generally limited to four dogs over four months old per household. Cats are not numerically capped citywide but excessive numbers may trigger nuisance or hoarding investigations. Properties zoned agricultural (AG-1, AG-2) and rural Pungo or Sandbridge parcels may keep additional dogs without a kennel license. Anyone operating a kennel, breeding facility, or boarding operation must apply for a kennel license through Animal Control with annual inspections. Multi-pet households should check their HOA covenants since many subdivisions impose stricter limits.
Exceeding four dogs without a kennel license is a Class 4 misdemeanor with fines up to $250 per dog. Repeat violations can result in animal seizure and license revocation.
See how Virginia Beach's pet limits rules stack up against other locations.
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