Animal Ordinances in Chesapeake, VA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Chesapeake, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Chesapeake allows backyard chickens on lots meeting minimum size requirements, typically in AG and R-15 or larger residential zones. Coops must be set back from property lines and roosters are restricted in denser residential areas. Check your specific zoning district.
Animals: Chickens Backyard
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Chesapeake requires all dogs to be under physical restraint (leash or confinement) when off the owners property under City Code Chapter 10. Leash length is not specifically limited but owners must maintain control. City Park and Chesapeake City Park have designated off-leash areas.
Animals: Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Chesapeake does not impose breed-specific restrictions. Virginia prohibits localities from adopting breed-specific bans under VA Code section 3.2-6540.1. Dangerous and vicious dog designations are behavior-based under VA Code section 3.2-6540 regardless of breed.
Animals: Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsVa. Code Ann. § 3.2-6540.1 - Vicious dogs; penalty
"Vicious dog" means a canine or canine crossbreed that has (i) killed a person, (ii) inflicted serious injury to a person, or (iii) continued to exhibit the behavior that resulted in a previous finding by a court or, on or before July 1, 2006, by an animal control officer as authorized by ordinance that it is a dangerous dog, provided that its owner has been given notice of that finding. B.
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is allowed throughout Chesapeake subject to City Code Chapter 10 setback rules and state-level registration under VA Code section 3.2-4400 et seq. Hives must be registered annually with the Virginia Department of Agriculture (VDACS) State Apiarist.
Animals: Beekeeping
Few RestrictionsVa. Code Ann. § 3.2-4400 - Beekeeping; definitions (Chapter 44)
"Apiary" means any place where one or more colonies of bees are kept. "Appliance" means any apparatus, tool, machine, or other device used in the handling and manipulating of bees, honey, wax, hives, and hive parts and shall include containers used in transporting, processing, storing, or merchandising bees and bee products. "Bee" means the honeybee, Apis mellifera and genetic variations thereo...
Exotic Pets
Chesapeake prohibits most exotic and dangerous wild animals as pets under City Code Chapter 10, which aligns with VA Code section 3.2-6500 definitions. Prohibited species include big cats, non-human primates, venomous reptiles, and bears. Standard pet reptiles, birds, and small mammals are allowed.
Animals: Exotic Pets
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Chesapeake prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, bears, and waterfowl under VA Code section 29.1-521.2 and local ordinance provisions. Bird feeders for songbirds are generally allowed. The Great Dismal Swamp proximity makes bear-attractant feeding especially discouraged.
Animals: Wildlife Feeding
Some RestrictionsPet Limits
Chesapeake generally limits households to a combined total of four dogs and cats over four months old in residential zones under City Code Chapter 10. Agricultural zones have higher or no limits. Kennel permits are required above the threshold.
Animals: Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Chesapeake City county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chesapeake city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Chesapeake City →