13 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Backyard chickens in Fairfax County are only permitted on residential lots of at least 2 acres. Roosters are prohibited on lots smaller than 5 acres. Smaller residential lots (under 2 acres, which is most of the county) cannot keep chickens regardless of quantity.
Fairfax County requires all dogs to be on a leash (or under direct voice control on the owner's own property) at all times when off the owner's premises. Running at large is prohibited throughout the county under Chapter 41.1 of the County Code.
Fairfax County does not impose any breed-specific restrictions. Virginia Code §3.2-6540.1 preempts local breed bans and mandates that dangerous-dog determinations be made solely on individual behavior, not breed. All dog breeds are legal to own in Fairfax County subject to standard licensing.
Va. Code § 3.2-6540.1
"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. No ca...
Beekeeping is permitted in Fairfax County on residential lots subject to zoning setbacks and registration with the Virginia State Apiarist. Hives must be set back from property lines, and water sources should be provided on-site to prevent bees from bothering neighbors.
Fairfax County prohibits keeping wild, exotic, or dangerous animals as pets, consistent with Virginia Code §3.2-6582. This includes big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, wolves/wolf hybrids, bears, and most non-domesticated species. Limited reptiles and some exotic birds are allowed.
Fairfax County prohibits feeding deer, bears, coyotes, and foxes under county ordinance and state regulation. Bird feeding is permitted but may be restricted if it attracts bears or creates nuisance. The county contracts licensed trappers for aggressive wildlife; residents must not trap without permit.
Livestock (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs) in Fairfax County require at least 2 acres of land, with additional acreage required per animal. Pigs face especially strict rules. Most of the county's R-1 through R-20 residential zones prohibit livestock entirely.
Fairfax County Code Chapter 12 prohibits keeping animals in numbers or conditions that cause neglect, suffering, or unsanitary premises, with Animal Protection Police authorized to seize neglected animals and pursue cruelty charges.
Fairfax County does not set a specific numerical limit on dogs or cats per household, but households with 4 or more dogs require a Commercial Kennel Permit or must demonstrate the animals are not causing a nuisance. Zoning ordinances may impose additional limits in certain districts.
Fairfax County requires cats four months and older to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed annually with the county; outdoor cats must wear identification, and owners are liable for nuisance behaviors.
Fairfax County does not mandate spay-neuter for owned pets but requires sterilization of all dogs and cats adopted from the county shelter and offers reduced license fees as an incentive for altered animals.
Fairfax County does not mandate microchipping for privately owned pets but microchips all shelter animals before adoption and accepts microchip identification as proof of license under Chapter 12 of the County Code.
Fairfax County coordinates with Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources on coyote management, prohibits intentional feeding under Chapter 12, and provides hazing guidance to residents in McLean, Vienna, Reston, and other suburban areas.
3 cities in Fairfax County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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