Animal Services

Local Pet Laws

County Ordinances

Review a listing of all Chesterfield County ordinances pertaining to animals.

Required Vaccinations of Dogs and Cats

Per Chesterfield code, any dog or cat four months of age or older must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician. This is required for lifetime dog license applications.

Running at Large Ordinance

Under Chesterfield County's current running at large ordinance (former leash law), a dog shall be deemed to run at large while roaming or running off the property of its owner or custodian and not under its owner's or custodian's immediate control.

Zoning Ordinance

Per the zoning ordinance, ownership of more than three adult dogs per family is prohibited in any residential district without a special exception permit. If you need a special permit, contact Planning at 804-748-1050.

Boundary Lines for Farm Animals

The boundary line of each lot or tract of land is the lawful limit for any domesticated livestock, including horse, mule, cattle, hog, sheep or goat. It is unlawful for the owner or manager of any such animal to permit it to run at large beyond the boundaries of confined area. Any person violating this law is subject to a fine of up to $250.

Lifetime Dog Licenses

All dogs four months of age or older must have a license. Chesterfield County now offers a lifetime dog license for $10. The license will remain valid as long as the dog's rabies vaccination is kept up to date. Per Chesterfield code, any dog or cat four months of age or older must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician.

Dog License Application

To obtain a dog license, print and complete the dog license application (PDF). You will also need to provide a copy of current rabies vaccination certificate and proof that the dog has been spayed/neutered, if applicable. There is a $10 license tax; make check or money order payable to Treasurer, Chesterfield County.

Visit one of the locations listed on page 2 of the application or mail to:

Treasurer’s Office
P.O. Box 70
Chesterfield, Virginia 23832
Attention: Dog Licenses

Kennel Licenses

Kennel licenses are available for those residing in an agricultural district who own more than three dogs. Kennel licenses are still issued annually and a kennel license application (PDF) must be completed each year.

Kennel License Tax

The kennel license tax is payable on Jan. 1 and must be paid no later than Jan. 31 of each year. Kennel license fees are $25 for kennels with a four to 20 dog capacity and $35 for kennels with a 21 to 50 dog capacity.

Animal Control Reporting and Enforcement

Report a Problem

Call 804-748-1251, the police non-emergency number, and ask to speak with an Animal Services officer if you need to report:

• Animal attack with injuries
• Animal neglect or cruelty
• Dogs running at large
• Sick or injured animal
• Stray dog that has been found

For animal bites, contact the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Chesterfield Health District (CHD). 

Code Enforcement

Code enforcement regarding animal concerns that violate county code can be submitted using the Enterprise Land Management (ELM) citizen access portal. View the code concern submittal guide (PDF) and ELM guide.

Virginia Dangerous Dog Registry

The Virginia Dangerous Dog Registry is a public, searchable online database of dogs declared dangerous by local courts. It also serves as the mechanism by which local animal control officers must report dangerous dogs to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Donations

If you would like to make a donation to the animal shelter, there are two main ways to do so:

Amazon Wish List

The animal shelter is in constant need of basic supplies for the animals in their care. To purchase tangible items to donate, please visit our Amazon wish list.

Monetary Donations

To make a monetary donation, checks can be mailed to the animal shelter at 9300 Public Works Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832. Make checks payable to Chesterfield County Police Foundation with Animal Services Donation as the subject.

Animal Services Statistics

View previous years' reports on the Animal Custody Records Report maintained by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. For current year information, contact Animal Services.