Animal Ordinances in Loudoun County, VA (2026)
8 rules for unincorporated Loudoun County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Loudoun's Zoning Ordinance defines chickens and other poultry as "livestock," so keeping them as Animal Husbandry requires at least 5 acres, or a County-approved Conservation Farm Plan on smaller parcels. Structures housing the birds must sit 60 feet back from any neighboring dwelling's lot line.
Loudoun County Backyard Chickens & Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsLoudoun County, VA, Zoning Ordinance § 4.08.02
Applicability. Section 4.08.02 applies to any Agriculture, Horticulture, or Animal Husbandry use. ... Animal Husbandry is not permitted on a parcel of less than 5 acres in size unless a Conservation Farm Plan with a section identifying required Best Management Practices is approved for that parcel... Setbacks for Certain Structures. Structures for housing livestock, including barns, run-in shed...
Dog Leash Laws
Loudoun Chapter 612 requires dogs on leash (max 6 ft) in public areas except at designated off-leash parks (Brambleton, Ashburn, Franklin). VA §3.2-6538 governs dogs running at large.
animals/dog-leash-laws
Some RestrictionsVa. Code Ann. § 3.2-6538 – Locality may prohibit dogs running at large
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 periods. For the purpose of this section, a dog shall be deemed to run at large while roam...
Breed Restrictions
Loudoun County does not ban specific breeds. Virginia does not preempt local BSL but Loudoun uses a behavior-based dangerous dog framework under VA §3.2-6540.
animals/breed-restrictions
Some RestrictionsVa. Code Ann. § 3.2-6540.1 – Vicious dogs; penalties
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
Loudoun Zoning permits beekeeping in AR, TR, and most residential zones subject to setback rules. VDACS registration required under VA §3.2-4400. County is home to active beekeeper association.
animals/beekeeping
Few RestrictionsVa. Code Ann. § 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
Section 612.29 bans keeping, breeding or possessing any live wild or exotic animal in Loudoun County, with narrow carve-outs for schools, licensed rehabilitators and vets, and lets residents who already owned one register it within 60 days of the March 2023 ordinance to keep it for life.
Loudoun County Wild Exotic Animal Ban
Heavy RestrictionsLoudoun County, VA, Codified Ordinances § 612.29 (Wild or Exotic Animals)
No person shall keep or permit to be kept, breed or permit to be bred, any live wild or exotic animal as defined in section 612.02. ... An Animal Control Officer or Other Officer may seize, capture, or confiscate any wild or exotic animal as defined in section 612.02. In the event that an owned/possessed wild or exotic animal is found to be running at large, it will be confiscated.
Cat Rules
Loudoun County doesn't license or leash cats the way it does dogs, but Section 612.18(f) requires every domesticated cat over four months old to carry a current rabies vaccination, defining a covered cat as one owned, possessed, fed or sheltered by a county resident.
Loudoun County Cat Rabies Vaccination Rule
Light RestrictionsLoudoun County, VA, Codified Ordinances § 612.18(f) (Rabid Animals)
All dogs and domesticated cats over four months of age, or older, in the County are required to have a current rabies vaccination. As used in this section, “domesticated cat” or “domestic cat” means a cat that is owned, in the possession of or being regularly fed or sheltered by a resident of the County.
Pet Store Rules
Loudoun County doesn't ban retail pet sales outright, but Section 612.27 requires every pet shop or companion-animal dealer to hold an annual $50 permit from the county, pass a facility and records inspection, and keep individual health and origin records on every dog and cat sold.
Loudoun County Pet Shop Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsLoudoun County, VA, Codified Ordinances § 612.27 (Permit Required for Pet Shops and Dealers)
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a pet shop or operate as a dealer in companion animals in Loudoun County without a valid permit issued by the Department. The permit shall be obtained on an annual basis, no later than January 31 of each year. The fee for said permit and each renewal thereof shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) per year. ... Any violation of this section shall be punish...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
In Loudoun County's Agricultural Rural (AR) zoning districts, veterinary services cannot locate on Residential Cluster Lots or Common Open Space Lots within an approved Cluster Subdivision, under Zoning Ordinance Section 4.04.25.B, effective March 12, 2025. Elsewhere in the AR districts, and in commercial and industrial districts, veterinary services remain a permitted or special-exception use subject to standard parking and site standards.
Loudoun County Veterinary Services Zoning Rule
Some RestrictionsLoudoun County, VA, Zoning Ordinance § 4.04.25.B
Applicability. Section 4.04.25 applies to veterinary services. ... AR Zoning Districts. Within Cluster Subdivisions in the AR Zoning Districts, veterinary services are prohibited on Residential Cluster Lots and Common Open Space Lots.
All Loudoun County ordinances
See every category we cover for Loudoun County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Loudoun County Ordinance Hub →