Animal Ordinances in West Virginia (2026)
19 rules on the books across West Virginia, 2 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Chickens & Livestock
Combined rules for keeping chickens and other livestock such as goats, rabbits, and ducks on residential property, including lot size requirements.
Dog Leash Laws
When and where dogs must be on a leash, off-leash park rules, leash length limits, and penalties for dogs running loose.
West Virginia: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsWest Virginia requires dogs over six months old to be registered and vaccinated against rabies, and makes owners liable…
Read full rule →Charleston
Some RestrictionsCharleston bans letting a dog run at large: any dog off its owner's property without a leash or chain under direct…
Read full rule →Kanawha County
Some RestrictionsKanawha County and its cities require dogs to be leashed or controlled off the owner's property, licensed through the…
Read full rule →Breed Restrictions
Bans or special requirements for specific dog breeds, including breed-specific legislation, muzzle requirements, and insurance mandates.
Charleston
Significant RestrictionsCharleston has no breed-specific ban. Instead, any dog that attacks, threatens, or is bred for dog fighting can be…
Read full rule →Kanawha County
Some RestrictionsWest Virginia does not preempt local breed bans, so a city may adopt breed rules. Charleston and Kanawha County rely…
Read full rule →Beekeeping
Rules for keeping bees in residential areas, including hive placement, number of colonies allowed, and registration requirements.
West Virginia: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsWest Virginia's Apiary Law requires all beekeepers to register their colonies with the Department of Agriculture and…
Read full rule →Charleston
Some RestrictionsCharleston's zoning code limits home beekeeping to 2-12 hive colonies based on lot size and requires hives to sit in…
Read full rule →Kanawha County
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping thrives across Kanawha County's wooded hollows and wildflower slopes. West Virginia law (WV Code §19-13-4)…
Read full rule →Exotic Pets
Which non-traditional pets are allowed or banned, such as reptiles, ferrets, potbelly pigs, and other exotic animals.
West Virginia: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsWest Virginia's Dangerous Wild Animal Act prohibits private possession, breeding, sale, and transfer of listed…
Read full rule →Charleston
Significant RestrictionsCharleston prohibits keeping panthers, bears, bobcats, venomous reptiles, and constrictor snakes within city limits…
Read full rule →Wildlife Feeding
Rules about feeding wild animals like deer, coyotes, or feral cats, and requirements for securing trash to prevent wildlife encounters.
Pet Limits
Maximum number of cats, dogs, or other companion animals allowed per household, including counts that trigger kennel-license requirements.
West Virginia: statewide
StatewideHeavy RestrictionsWest Virginia does not have a dedicated animal hoarding statute, but its general animal cruelty law criminalizes…
Read full rule →Charleston
Some RestrictionsCharleston limits households to two dogs unless the owner gets a special permit or zoning variance, a direct check on…
Read full rule →Cat Rules
Rules specific to cats, outdoor roaming, feral cat colonies, leash laws (yes, some cities require them), and licensing requirements.
Microchipping
Mandates that dogs and cats be microchipped before leaving a shelter or by a certain age, including registration and tag requirements.
Coyote Management
How your city handles urban coyotes, including hazing protocols, feeding bans, and what residents should do when sighting one near homes.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Where veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and emergency animal-care facilities may be located, including overnight-boarding and noise buffers.
Bird Protection
Local rules protecting specific bird species (LAMC §53.55), including penalties for trapping or harming protected species and bird-safe building design.