Laws and Codes

Pet owners should be aware of the requirements, laws and codes governing the ownership of their pets. Below are some; but not all, of the requirements, laws and codes owners should be knowledgeable of.

Rabies

The Stafford County Code requires that dogs which are 4 months of age or over be inoculated against rabies. The Animal Control Division holds low-cost clinics each spring at locations throughout the County. Clinics are advertised in the local newspapers. It is a violation of Chapter 5, Section 66 of the Stafford County Code to fail to inoculate any dog over 4 months of age.

Violation of this section is a Class 4 Misdemeanor.
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Leashes

Dog owners must keep close tabs on their pets during the six months from April through September. County and State law requires that dogs must be leashed or penned during these months so that young wild animals can mature unharmed.

Owners who let their pets run at large are in violation of the law. A fine plus court costs is charged to owners whose pets are picked up by the County Animal Control personnel. Once a dog is picked up, owners must pay a $25.00 reclaim fee and $5.00 each day for boarding fees.

Section 5-23 of the Stafford County Code reads as follows:
"It is unlawful for the owner of any dog to permit such dog to run at large within the County during the months of April, May, June, July, August, and September of any year. During such months, all dogs shall be restricted by LEASH or PEN or kept CONFINED to the premises of their owners."
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Adoptions

STERILIZATION OF AN ANIMAL ADOPTED FROM THIS SHELTER IS REQUIRED UNDER
§ 3.1-796.126:2 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA. FAILURE TO DO SO IS A VIOLATION AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO A CIVIL PENALTY. ADOPTER MAY BE COMPELLED TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF §§3.1-796.126:2, 3.1-796.126:3 AND 3.1-796.126:4.

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Licenses

All dogs four months of age and older must be licensed annually by January 1.

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Barking Dogs

The Stafford County Code makes it unlawful for any person to allow within the County prolonged or intense barking or other harsh or excessive noises to be made by any animal under ownership or control of such person. The code defines a harsh or excessive noise as one which disturbs the quiet, comfort or repose of a reasonable person with normal sensitivities.

Barking Dogs