Animal Ordinances in Richmond, VA (2026)
13 verified animal ordinances for Richmond, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Richmond allows up to 4 hens per household with a permit. Roosters are prohibited. Coops must be 25 feet from any dwelling on an adjacent lot and kept sanitary.
Animals: Chickens Backyard
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Richmond requires dogs to be leashed at all times when off the owner property. City Code Section 4 sets a 6-foot maximum leash length. Designated off-leash dog parks exist at Barker Field and Oak Grove.
Animals: Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Richmond has no breed-specific legislation. Virginia Code 3.2-6540.1 preempts cities from enacting breed-based restrictions; dangerous dog determinations must be behavior-based.
Animals: Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsVa. Code §§ 3.2-6540, 3.2-6540.1, 3.2-6542
The Virginia Dangerous Dog Registry is a public, searchable online database of dogs declared dangerous by local courts. It also serves as the mechanism by which local animal control officers must report dangerous dogs to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Information for Dangerous Dog Owners — Contact your local animal control agency for information about initial regi...
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is allowed in Richmond residential zones with hives set back at least 10 feet from property lines. State Apiarist registration (VA Code 3.2-4400) is required annually.
Animals: Beekeeping
Few 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
Richmond City Code prohibits keeping wild, exotic, or dangerous animals including venomous reptiles, large constrictors, nonhuman primates, and big cats. Virginia DWR permits some species for licensed exhibitors only.
Animals: Exotic Pets
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Richmond prohibits feeding deer, waterfowl, and other wildlife on public property. Feeding that creates a nuisance or attracts rats is prohibited on private property. Songbird feeders are generally allowed.
Animals: Wildlife Feeding
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Richmond Animal Care and Control investigates animal hoarding under Virginia's cruelty statutes when owners keep more animals than they can adequately house, feed, or provide veterinary care for.
Animal Hoarding Enforcement in Richmond
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Richmond limits households to 4 dogs and 4 cats total (8 animals combined) over 4 months of age without a kennel permit. Larger numbers require a commercial kennel or rescue license.
Animals: Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Richmond requires rabies vaccination for all cats four months and older and offers voluntary licensing through Richmond Animal Care and Control, with no formal leash law for cats roaming outdoors.
Cat Licensing and Outdoor Cat Rules
Some RestrictionsMandatory Spay/Neuter
Richmond does not impose a citywide mandatory spay-neuter ordinance, but Virginia law and RACC adoption contracts require sterilization of dogs and cats released from shelters or rescues.
Spay-Neuter Requirements for Adopted Pets
Some RestrictionsMicrochipping
Richmond does not require microchipping but strongly encourages it for all dogs and cats; RACC scans every impounded animal and uses chips as the primary tool for owner reunification.
Pet Microchipping in Richmond
Few RestrictionsCoyote Management
Richmond residents increasingly encounter coyotes along the James River corridor; the city defers to Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources guidance and prohibits feeding or relocating wild canids.
Coyote Sightings and Urban Wildlife
Few RestrictionsPet Store Rules
Pet stores in Richmond must comply with Virginia commercial dog breeder and pet-shop statutes, maintain veterinary care plans, and disclose source information for dogs and cats sold to consumers.