Animal Ordinances in Newport News, VA (2026)
4 verified animal ordinances for Newport News, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
Newport News requires dogs to be on a leash or under the owner's control when off the owner's property. Dogs running at large violate the city code. All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies.
Newport News Dog Leash Laws & Off-Leash Rules
Heavy RestrictionsVa. Code § 3.2-6538 (Locality May Prohibit Dogs from Running at Large)
Any locality may by ordinance prohibit the running at large of all or any category of dogs, except dogs used for hunting, in all or any designated portion of such locality during such months as it may designate. Any such locality may also require that dogs be confined, restricted, or penned up during such periods. For the purpose of this section, a dog shall be deemed to run at large while roam...
Breed Restrictions
Newport News does not enforce breed-specific legislation. Virginia law regulates dogs based on behavior. Dogs declared dangerous or vicious face additional requirements including registration, confinement, and liability insurance.
Newport News Dog Breed Restrictions & Dangerous Dog Rules
Few RestrictionsVa. Code § 3.2-6540.1(C) (Vicious Dogs — No Breed-Specific Determination)
C. No canine or canine crossbreed shall be found to be a vicious dog solely because it is a particular breed, nor is the ownership of a particular breed of canine or canine crossbreed prohibited. No animal shall be found to be a vicious dog if the threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a person who was (i) committing, at the time, a crime upon the premises occupied by the animal's owner or ...
Beekeeping
Newport News allows residential beekeeping subject to nuisance provisions and Virginia Department of Agriculture registration. Hives should maintain setbacks from property lines and a water source must be provided.
Newport News Beekeeping & Apiary Regulations
Some RestrictionsVa. Code § 3.2-4400 (Beekeeping — Definitions)
"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
Newport News follows Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) regulations on exotic animals. Permits are required for many non-native wildlife species. Large cats, bears, and venomous reptiles are heavily restricted.