Animal Ordinances in Virginia Beach, VA (2026)
13 verified animal ordinances for Virginia Beach, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Virginia Beach permits backyard chickens in most residential zones with restrictions on flock size, coop setbacks, and roosters. Typically 4-6 hens are allowed on standard residential lots with no roosters permitted due to noise. Livestock (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs) are generally restricted to Agricultural districts (AG-1, AG-2) which cover the rural southern portion of the city. Coops must be set back from property lines, maintained sanitarily, and secured against predators. Enforcement is by Animal Control at (757) 385-4444.
Chickens and Livestock Rules in Virginia Beach
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Virginia Beach City Code requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when on public property, including streets, sidewalks, parks, and the oceanfront boardwalk. Dogs are prohibited from the Resort Area beaches (2nd to 42nd Streets) from Memorial Day through Labor Day between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Off-leash activity is only permitted in designated dog parks (Red Wing Park, Woodstock Park, Bayville Farms Park, and others). Violations carry fines starting at $50 plus Animal Control fees. Leash law enforcement is handled by Animal Control at (757) 385-4444.
Dog Leash Laws in Virginia Beach
Some RestrictionsVa. Code § 3.2-6538
Governing body of any locality may prohibit dogs from running at large; civil penalty. 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 per...
Breed Restrictions
Virginia Beach does not have breed-specific legislation (BSL). No dog breeds are banned or restricted by breed alone. However, Virginia Beach enforces dangerous dog and vicious dog laws under Virginia Code §3.2-6540 and §3.2-6540.01, where any dog of any breed can be declared dangerous or vicious based on behavior. Owners of declared dangerous dogs must register the animal, carry liability insurance, use secure enclosures, and muzzle the dog in public. Landlords, HOAs, and insurance companies may impose their own breed restrictions independent of city law.
Dog Breed Restrictions in Virginia Beach
Few RestrictionsVa. Code § 3.2-6540.1
Vicious dogs; penalties. A. As used in this section: "Serious injury" means an injury having a reasonable potential to cause death or any injury other than a sprain or strain, including serious disfigurement, serious impairment of health, or serious impairment of bodily function and requiring significant medical attention. "Vicious dog" means a canine or canine crossbreed that has (i) killed a ...
Beekeeping
Virginia Beach permits beekeeping in residential zones under Virginia state apiary law (VA Code §3.2-4400 through §3.2-4419). Beekeepers must register apiaries with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) State Apiarist. The city generally follows state law without imposing hive number limits, though setbacks from property lines (typically 10-25 feet) and requirements for water sources and flyway barriers are common best practices. Managed honey bees are protected — localities cannot prohibit residential beekeeping under Virginia law. HOA restrictions may still apply.
Beekeeping Rules in Virginia Beach
Few RestrictionsVa. Code § 3.2-4400
"Bee" means the honeybee, Apis mellifera and genetic variations thereof, at any living stage; and may include other hymenopterous insects that depend on pollen and nectar for food. "Bee diseases" means departures from a sound state of health of bees characterized by visible symptoms including American foulbrood and any other diseases, insects, mites, or bee pests. "Bee equipment" means hives an...
Exotic Pets
Virginia Beach prohibits most exotic and wild animals as pets under City Code and Virginia state law. Virginia Code §29.1-521 and §3.2-6571 restrict possession of dangerous wildlife including large cats, bears, primates, wolves, venomous reptiles, and most non-native wildlife. Native wildlife generally cannot be possessed without a permit from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Small exotic pets like ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, most parrots, and non-venomous reptiles are generally allowed. Rabies vaccination requirements apply to ferrets.
Exotic Pet Rules in Virginia Beach
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Virginia state law prohibits feeding bears year-round and deer from September 1 through the first Saturday in January under Virginia Code §29.1-521.2 and DWR regulation 4VAC15-40-285. Virginia Beach also discourages feeding of other wildlife including raccoons, foxes, and feral cats that can become public nuisances. Feeding waterfowl at city parks and beaches is generally discouraged and may be prohibited at specific sites. Violations of state wildlife feeding laws are Class 3 misdemeanors with fines up to $500. Bird feeders for songbirds are permitted but should be managed to avoid attracting bears.
Wildlife Feeding Rules in Virginia Beach
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Livestock in Virginia Beach is restricted to Agricultural zoning districts AG-1 and AG-2, covering the rural southern portion of the city (Pungo, Blackwater, Creeds areas below the Green Line). Cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine, and similar animals require minimum lot sizes (typically 1 acre or more) with stocking density limits. Manure management, fencing, and setbacks from property lines are regulated. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) oversees livestock health under Virginia Code Title 3.2. Animal cruelty laws under VA Code §3.2-5506 apply to all livestock.
Livestock Regulations in Virginia Beach
Some RestrictionsAnimal Hoarding
Virginia Beach enforces state animal cruelty law against hoarding, where someone keeps more animals than they can humanely care for, leading to suffering, neglect, or unsanitary conditions citywide.
Virginia Beach Animal Hoarding Enforcement Rules
Heavy RestrictionsPet Limits
Virginia Beach limits dogs to four per household in most residential zones unless the property qualifies as agricultural or the owner obtains a kennel license through Planning and Animal Control.
Virginia Beach Pet Limits Per Household
Some RestrictionsCat Rules
Virginia Beach requires rabies vaccination for cats over four months but does not mandate licensing or leashing. Free-roaming cats are allowed, though trespassing complaints can prompt animal control responses.
Virginia Beach Cat Licensing and Outdoor Rules
Some RestrictionsMicrochipping
Virginia Beach does not require pet microchipping, but the Animal Care and Adoption Center microchips all adopted pets and strongly recommends voluntary chipping for any cat or dog citywide.
Virginia Beach Pet Microchipping Recommendations
Few RestrictionsCoyote Management
Coyotes are established in Virginia Beach, particularly near Pungo, Back Bay, and First Landing State Park. The city follows Virginia DWR guidance, focusing on hazing, secure trash, and limited lethal removal.
Virginia Beach Coyote Encounter and Management
Some RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic Zoning
Veterinary clinics in Virginia Beach are permitted in B-1, B-2, B-3, and B-4 business districts under the City Zoning Ordinance, with overnight boarding triggering additional kennel-style review and noise standards.