Animal Ordinances in Suffolk, VA (2026)
6 verified animal ordinances for Suffolk, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
In Suffolk, chickens and other agricultural animals are allowed only in the A, RR, and RE zoning districts and are prohibited in all other residential zones. Livestock must be fenced at least 20 feet from a neighbor's dwelling. UDO Sec. 31-702.
Suffolk Chickens & Livestock Rules
Heavy RestrictionsSuffolk, VA, Unified Development Ordinance Sec. 31-702(b)
Agricultural animals and livestock shall be permitted in the A (Agricultural), RR (Rural Residential) and RE (Rural Estate) zoning districts and shall be prohibited in all other zoning districts.
Dog Leash Laws
Suffolk has a citywide leash law: a dog must be confined to the owner's premises or, on any public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way, kept on a leash under a responsible person's control. Dogs six months and older must be licensed. Code Sec. 10-43.
Suffolk Dog Leash Law
Some RestrictionsSuffolk, VA, Code of Ordinances Sec. 10-43(a)
Any person owning, having control of, or harboring any dog within the city, shall keep such dog confined to the premises of such person, unless in the custody of a responsible person. ... it shall be unlawful for any person owning, having control of, or harboring any dog within the city to permit such dog to run at large within the city, or to permit the dog to go upon any public street, sidewa...
Breed Restrictions
Suffolk has no breed ban. Virginia law bars localities from declaring any dog dangerous or vicious based on breed, so Suffolk regulates dogs by behavior under the state Dangerous Dog Law, Va. Code Sec. 3.2-6540.
Suffolk Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Suffolk allows beekeeping as a residential accessory use, but no hive may be within 50 feet of any dwelling, school, or church, and the keeper must supply water within 50 feet of the hive. UDO Sec. 31-701(b)(7).
Suffolk Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsSuffolk, VA, Unified Development Ordinance Sec. 31-701(b)(7)
Beekeeping provided no beehive is closer than 50 feet to any dwelling, school or church establishment and that the owner provides a supply of water for the bees within 50 feet of the hive.
Exotic Pets
Suffolk's code recognizes which small animals may be kept in a residence, including fish, cats, small birds, rodents, and non-poisonous snakes and lizards, while Virginia requires a state Wildlife Resources permit to possess most wild and nonnative exotic animals. UDO Sec. 31-702(d).
Suffolk Exotic Pet Rules
Some RestrictionsSuffolk, VA, Unified Development Ordinance Sec. 31-702(d)(2)
The requirements of Subsection (1) above shall not apply to those small animals kept within a residence, including fish, cats, small birds (parakeets, parrots), rodents (mice, rats) and reptiles (non-poisonous snakes, lizards).
Wildlife Feeding
Suffolk has no standalone feeding ordinance, but Virginia law prohibits feeding deer and elk statewide from September 1 through the first Saturday in January, during hunting season, and year-round in disease-management areas. Rule 4VAC15-40-285.