County Laws & Regulations

Vaccinations

Rabies vaccinations are required by law for all cats and dogs 4 months of age and older.

Code of Virginia - 3.2-6521. Rabies inoculation of companion animals

Licenses

Powhatan county dog licenses are required for all dogs 4 months of age and older. Any dog found not wearing its county license will be deemed unlicensed, and the owner can be charged.

Code of Virginia - 3.2-6524. Unlicensed dogs prohibited

Owner Duties

Duties of every owner of a companion animal include providing all of the following:

  • Adequate food and water
  • Clean shelter
  • Exercise
  • Grooming treatment and care
  • Space
  • Veterinary care

Code of Virginia - 3.2-6503. Care of companion animals by owner

Code of Virginia - 3.2-6500. Definitions

Control Laws

Running at-large is against the law. No dog may be off its owner's property without being under the immediate control if its owner.

Powhatan County Municipal Code - 10.116 Animals Running at Large - Dogs


Reporting Strays

You are required by law to report to Animal Control any stray companion animal that you have found.

Code of Virginia - 3.2-6551. Notification by individuals finding companion animals