Loudoun County, VA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

27 makes it unlawful to operate a pet shop or act as a dealer in companion animals in the county without a valid Department permit. The permit is annual, must be obtained no later than January 31 each year for $50, expires December 31, and is non-transferable, tied to the specific owner, business name and location. Before issuing a new or renewal permit, the Department inspects the applicant's facilities, animal-care and welfare records, and method of operation for compliance with the chapter and the Virginia Comprehensive Animal Laws; the permit must be posted where the public can see it.

The Department may deny or revoke a permit for fraudulent practices or inhumane treatment, and once denied or revoked, the same owner and location are barred from reapplying for a full year. A permittee must keep individual records for every dog and cat, breed, sex, color, ID or tattoo, the source's name and address and date obtained, the buyer's name and address and date of sale, vaccination and treatment history, veterinary diagnoses, and mortality causes including euthanasia reasons, retained for two years and produced to the Department on request.

The Department inspects during daylight hours to confirm ongoing compliance, and a denial, revocation or refusal to reinstate a permit can be appealed in writing to the Director within 15 days, followed by a hearing and a decision within seven days.