Lynchburg, VA Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)

City Code Sec. 7-110(a) provides that, beginning January 1, 2002, it is unlawful for any person to operate a pet shop or act as a dealer in companion animals in the city without a valid permit from the animal warden, and only a person complying with Article V's requirements may receive or retain that permit; the permit is non-transferable and must be posted conspicuously on the premises. Sec. 00 per year. Sec. 7-110(c) gives the animal warden the right to inspect any facility maintaining permitted animals without prior notice, and Sec.

7-110(d) lets the warden deny an application or renewal for fraudulent practices, inhumane treatment of animals, or violations of local, state or federal animal law. Sec. 7-112 sets out a full suspension and revocation process, including a written corrective-action notice, an immediate shutdown order if conditions are severe, a right to a hearing before the chief of police within five workdays, and a two-year wait before a revoked permit holder can reapply. Sec. 7-113 separately requires pet shops and dealers to exercise dogs and cats outside their primary cage at least once daily, with noncompliant animals subject to immediate seizure and impoundment.

Nothing in Article V bans the retail sale of dogs or cats or mandates an adoption-only model; the permit and welfare-standard scheme is the operative local law.