Virginia Leash Laws

Virginia has no statewide leash law. Leash and at-large rules come from cities and counties, so the answer depends on where you are.

Virginia leash law at a glance

What Virginia state law says

• Va. Code 3.2-6538 lets localities prohibit dogs running at large with a civil penalty.
• Va. Code 3.2-6539 covers local leash ordinances.
• Localities may restrict unvaccinated dogs and cats from running at large (3.2-6522(A)).

Local leash ordinances

City and county codes do most of the work here. They typically say when a dog must be leashed, how long the leash can be, which parks allow off-leash dogs, and what fines apply when a dog is found running loose.

Staying on the right side of the law

• Keep your dog leashed in public unless you are in a posted off-leash area.
• Make sure your dog wears a current license and rabies tag, since a loose dog without tags is the one most likely to be impounded.
• If your dog has been declared dangerous, stricter leash, muzzle and enclosure rules apply; see the dangerous dog section of Virginia dog bite laws.
• A dog that runs loose and injures someone can create liability for the owner, so a leash is also your best protection.
• Leash training makes compliance easy; a local dog trainer can help with pulling and recall.

Sources

1. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: Virginia dog laws
2. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: State dog leash laws