Animal Ordinances in Charlottesville, VA (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Charlottesville, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
In the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, hogs, sheep and full-size goats cannot be kept anywhere in the city except for immediate shipment or slaughter. Miniature goats are allowed in any residential zoning district, but only up to three at a time, with males neutered and all goats dehorned. Chickens, ducks, geese and other fowl cannot run loose off the owner's property.
Charlottesville Livestock and Fowl Keeping Rules
Some RestrictionsCharlottesville City Code §§ 4-8, 4-9
It shall be unlawful for any person to permit any chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons or other fowl belonging to them to go at large in the city; except, that homing pigeons may be released for return to their cote without violating this section. ... (a)No hogs, goats (other than miniature goats) or sheep shall be kept in the city except for immediate shipment or slaughter.(b)Miniature goats may be...
Dog Leash Laws
In the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, dogs cannot run at large anywhere in the city at any time under § 4-38, even if licensed and vaccinated. Section 4-40 additionally requires a leash in city parks, the Greenway Trail System, Meadow Creek Golf Course, the Downtown Mall, public school property and city cemeteries.
Charlottesville Dog Leash and At-Large Law
Some RestrictionsCharlottesville City Code §§ 4-38, 4-40
(a)It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog to allow such dog to run at large, at any time, within the city, even though the dog is both lawfully licensed and vaccinated. ... (a)Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, dogs shall be kept on a leash and under control:(1)In all city parks (except for designated off-leash areas);(2)On the city's Greenway Trail System;(3)On the Meadow...
Breed Restrictions
In the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, City Code § 4-43 bars finding any canine 'dangerous' or 'vicious' based on breed alone; a dog is only declared dangerous or vicious after a documented bite, attack or injury. Once so found, the owner must register the dog, pay a $50 fee, obtain $100,000 in liability insurance, and confine and muzzle it under §§ 4-45 and 4-46.
Charlottesville Dangerous Dog Rules
Significant RestrictionsCharlottesville City Code §§ 4-43, 4-45
(c)No canine or canine crossbreed shall be found to be a dangerous dog or vicious dog solely because it is a particular breed. ... (a)The owner of any animal found to be a dangerous dog shall, within ten (10) days of such finding, obtain a dangerous dog registration certificate from the animal control officer for a fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) in addition to other fees that may be authorized b...
Pet Groomer Rules
Running a pet-grooming business from a Charlottesville home is allowed only as a home occupation accessory use. Every animal must stay inside during grooming, and none may be boarded or kept overnight, on top of the general home-occupation limits on customers, hours, signage and noise.
Pet Grooming Home Businesses in Charlottesville
Some RestrictionsCharlottesville Development Code § 3.5.2.D.12
12. For pet grooming services, all animals must be kept inside during the provision of services and no animals may be boarded or kept overnight.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
In the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, a veterinary clinic or boarding kennel with outdoor facilities is classified under the Development Code as an 'Animal Care, Outdoor' personal service use, not as a home business. It must sit in a district that permits that use and clear the Zoning Administrator's site plan review before it can open.
Charlottesville Veterinary Clinic Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsCharlottesville Development Code § 3.3.4.G.2
2. Animal Care, Outdoor A use that provides overnight boarding of animals, or for the treatment of sick or injured animals by a person licensed in veterinary medicine or similar field, that includes outdoor facilities.
Bird Protection
In the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, the entire city is legally designated a bird sanctuary under City Code § 4-16. It's unlawful to trap, hunt or shoot any bird or wild fowl, tamper with or rob a nest, or kill a sparrow, martin, wren or other songbird anywhere within city limits. Pigeons and starlings are excluded from the protection.
Charlottesville Bird Sanctuary Protection Law
Heavy RestrictionsCharlottesville City Code § 4-16
(a)The entire area embraced within the corporate limits of the city is hereby designated as a bird sanctuary.(b)It shall be unlawful for any person to trap, hunt or shoot any bird or wild fowl, or attempt to do the same, or to tamper with or rob nests of any bird or wild fowl. It shall likewise be unlawful for any person to kill any sparrow, martin, wren or other bird.(c)This section shall not ...