Virginia Statewide Rule

Virginia Animal Care and Hoarding Standards Statewide

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Virginia (2026)

Key Facts

Care statute: Va. Code 3.2-6503
Definitions: Va. Code 3.2-6500
Cruelty statute: Va. Code 3.2-6570
First violation: Class 4 misdemeanor

Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: Virginia Legislative Information System

Summary

Virginia Code Section 3.2-6503 requires every owner to provide adequate care for companion animals, with criminal penalties for neglect that often underpin hoarding cases.

§ 3.2-6503 . Care of companion animals by owner; penalty. A. Each owner shall provide for each of his companion animals: 1. Adequate feed; 2. Adequate water; 3. Adequate shelter that is properly cleaned; 4. Adequate space in the primary enclosure for the particular type of animal depending upon its age, size, species, and weight; 5. Adequate exercise; 6. Adequate care, treatment, and transportation; and 7. Veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering or disease transmission. The provisions of this section shall also apply to every public or private animal shelter, or other releasing agency, and every foster care provider, dealer, pet shop, exhibitor, kennel, groomer, and boarding establishment. This section shall not require that animals used as food for other animals be euthanized. B. Violation of this section is a Class 4 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation of subdivision A 1, 2, 3, or 7 is a Class 2 misdemeanor and a second or subsequent violation of subdivision A 4, 5, or 6 is a Class 3 misdemeanor. 1984, c. 492, § 29-213.38; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.68; 1991, c. 348; 1993, c. 174; 1996, c. 249 ; 1998, c. 817 ; 2002, c. 787 ; 2003, c. 1007 ; 2008, c. 860 ; 2010, c. 875 ; 2014, c. 148 . The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this section may not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters whose provisions have expired.

Source: Virginia Legislative Information SystemView official code

Full Breakdown

Va. Code Section 3.2-6503 requires every owner of a companion animal to provide adequate feed, water, shelter, space, exercise, care, and veterinary treatment. Adequate care is defined in Section 3.2-6500. A violation is a Class 4 misdemeanor; subsequent violations escalate to Class 2 or 3 misdemeanors. Malicious deprivation of food, water, shelter, or emergency veterinary treatment causing serious harm can be a felony under Section 3.2-6570. These cruelty standards apply statewide to private owners, shelters, and rescues, and provide the legal basis for hoarding-related seizures.

Violations & Penalties

Class 4 misdemeanor first offense; up to Class 6 felony for malicious cruelty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Virginia have a specific animal hoarding law?

There is no separate hoarding statute. Hoarding cases are prosecuted under Section 3.2-6503 inadequate care standards and Section 3.2-6570 cruelty provisions, plus local pet-limit ordinances.

Can authorities seize neglected animals?

Yes. Animal control officers may seize animals lacking adequate care under Section 3.2-6569, with court review of custody and forfeiture.

Sources

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