Animal Ordinances in Fauquier County, VA (2026)
6 rules for unincorporated Fauquier County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Unincorporated Fauquier County bars fowl, poultry and livestock from running at large and requires every stable, pen or coop to be kept safe and sanitary. County Code §§ 4-3 and 4-4 make roaming animals and unsanitary waste accumulation each a Class 4 misdemeanor, enforced by the Sheriff's animal warden.
Fauquier County Livestock At-Large Rule
Some RestrictionsFauquier County Code §§ 4-3, 4-4
Sec. 4-3. - Fowl, poultry and livestock not permitted to run at large. It shall be unlawful for any fowl, poultry, or livestock to run at large in the county. For purposes of this section, running at large shall mean that the animal is roaming off the property of its owner or custodian and not under the owner or custodian's immediate control. Any owner or custodian of an animal running at large...
Dog Leash Laws
Unincorporated Fauquier County bans dogs from running at large at any time under County Code § 4-22, defining at large as roaming off the owner's property and out of the owner's immediate control. Violators face a $100 civil penalty per dog per day, plus impoundment and boarding fees, under § 4-28(d).
Fauquier County Dogs-At-Large Ban
Some RestrictionsFauquier County Code §§ 4-22, 4-28(d)
(a)It shall be unlawful for any dog to run at large at any time within this county. For the purpose of this subsection, a dog running at large shall mean a dog that is roaming or running off the property of its owner or custodian and not under its owner or custodian's immediate control.(b)Any owner or custodian whose dog runs at large shall be liable upon conviction to a civil penalty as set fo...
Exotic Pets
Fauquier County allows residents to keep listed wild or exotic animals such as monkeys, wolves, big cats, poisonous snakes and alligators only if the animal is registered with the county animal warden first, under County Code § 4-29. Sellers must post a public notice at the point of sale, and violations carry a $150 civil penalty per § 4-28(h)(16).
Fauquier County Wild Animal Registration
Significant RestrictionsFauquier County Code §§ 4-1, 4-29, 4-31
Wild or exotic animal means any live monkey (non-human primate), raccoon, skunk, wolf, squirrel, fox, leopard, panther, tiger, lion, lynx or any other warm-blooded animal, poisonous snake, constricting snake, or tarantula, which can normally be found in the wild state or any other member of crocodilian, including but not limited to, alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and gavials. ... No person sh...
Pet Limits
Fauquier County does not cap the number of pets in a household, but keeping five or more dogs, cats or hybrids for breeding, boarding, training or similar purposes meets the legal definition of a kennel under County Code § 4-1. That triggers zoning compliance verification and a graduated annual license tax instead of the standard lifetime dog tax.
Fauquier County Kennel Threshold Rule
Some RestrictionsFauquier County Code §§ 4-1, 4-13(c)
Kennel means any establishment in which five (5) or more canines, felines, or hybrids of either are kept for the purpose of breeding, hunting, training, renting, buying, boarding, selling or showing. ... The kennel owner must obtain and present to the treasurer a letter from a Fauquier County Zoning Administrator that determines the kennel is in compliance with county zoning ordinances. Upon pr...
Cat Rules
Fauquier County requires every cat over four months old to carry a current rabies vaccination under County Code § 4-12(a), and separately bans letting a diseased cat or a female cat in heat stray from the owner's property under § 4-25(1)-(2). Concealing an unlicensed or rabid cat is also unlawful under § 4-25(3).
Fauquier County Cat At-Large & Vaccine Rules
Some RestrictionsFauquier County Code §§ 4-25(1)-(3), 4-12(a)
Diseased dog or cat. It shall be unlawful for any dog or cat with a contagious or infectious disease to stray from its owner's property, if such disease is known to the owner. Any person who violates this subsection shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.(2)Female dog or cat in estrus. It shall be unlawful for the owner of any female dog or female cat to stray from its owner's property while ...
Pet Store Rules
Fauquier County lets pet shops and animal dealers sell dogs and cats, but only with an annual permit from the county animal warden under County Code § 4-36, which requires a zoning compliance letter and a $50 yearly fee. Shops that import dogs from outside Virginia must also post a bond of at least $5,000 under § 4-40(a).
Fauquier County Pet Shop Licensing Rule
Some RestrictionsFauquier County Code §§ 4-36, 4-40(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a pet shop or operate as a dealer in companion animals who does not possess a valid permit. The animal warden is responsible for the administration of permits pursuant to this article. A complete application is a necessary prerequisite to the animal warden issuing a permit. Complete application is defined as submission of a written application on t...
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