Hampton, VA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Annual permit fee
- $50, due Dec. 31
- Inspection required
- Before issuance and renewal
- Dog sourcing law
- Must meet Va. Code § 3.2-6513.1
- Adoption-only stores
- No permit required
- Operating without permit
- Class 3 misdemeanor
Summary
Hampton allows pet shops to sell dogs and cats under a $50 annual permit with mandatory inspection; dog sales must meet Virginia's sourcing law, and adoption-only operations need no permit at all.
(a) It shall be unlawful to operate a pet shop, as the term is defined in this chapter, without a valid permit issued under this article... (c) As a condition of permitting, pet shops that sell dogs shall comply with the provisions of the Code of Virginia § 3.2-6513.1, as amended... (g) A permit shall not be required if companion animals are only offered for adoption.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 5-83 requires any pet shop to hold a Hampton Animal Control permit, inspected before initial issuance and each annual renewal, and pet shops selling dogs must comply with Va. Code § 3.2-6513.1's sourcing rules. The city can deny or revoke a permit for fraud, inhumane treatment, false statements about an animal's source, or violating Va. Code § 3.2-6511.1 or 3.2-6512. The permit costs $50/year, due by December 31. A store that only offers animals for adoption needs no permit at all (Sec. 5-83(g)).
Violations & Fines
Operating a pet shop without a permit is a Class 3 misdemeanor (Sec. 5-83(h)); giving false information on a permit application is a Class 4 misdemeanor (Sec. 5-83(i)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hampton ban pet stores from selling dogs and cats?
Do rescue or adoption-only pet stores need a Hampton permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hampton
Compare Hampton to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview
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