{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/3.2-5902.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/3.2-5902.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/3.2-5902.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/3.2-5902.html"}],"law_id":66051,"edition_id":1,"section_id":66051,"structure_id":16248,"section_number":"3.2-5902","catch_line":"Certificate of veterinary inspection required for importation of certain pet animals; examination; exceptions; penalty","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 3-576.1; 1964, c. 153; 1966, c. 702, \u00a7 3.1-735; 1993, c. 174; 2001, cc. 311, 333; 2008, c. 860.","full_text":"A\n\nIt shall be unlawful for any person to import into the Commonwealth from another state any pet animal, including dogs, cats, monkeys, or other animals, ferae naturae, wild or tame under domestication or in custody, or any poultry not intended for commercial use that by its nature is fit for use only as a pet, unless such animal is accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection issued by an accredited veterinarian. Such certificate shall be on an official interstate certificate of veterinary inspection issued by the state of origin, shall be dated no more than 10 days before shipment, and shall contain such evidence of proof of the health of the animal as the Board, by regulation, may require.B\n\nAny animal imported into the Commonwealth without a certificate may be examined immediately by the State Veterinarian, his representative, or a licensed veterinarian designated by him, and the examination cost may be charged to the owner or the person in possession of the animal. If, in the opinion of the State Veterinarian or his representative, there is danger from contagion or infection, the animal may be placed in quarantine at the expense of the owner until all danger of infection or contagion has passed, whereupon the animal shall be released upon the order of the State Veterinarian or his representative.C\n\nThe provisions of this section shall not apply to any ornamental aquarium fish or invertebrate animal, or an animal accompanied by a passport approved by the State Veterinarian. The provisions of this section shall also not apply to: (i) any animal as herein defined passing directly through the Commonwealth to another state in interstate commerce, or when such animal is kept properly under control by its owner or custodian when passing through the Commonwealth to another state; (ii) any animal brought into the Commonwealth by a resident or by a resident of another state who intends to make his residence in the Commonwealth except if brought into the Commonwealth with the intent of offering it for public sale, trade, or promotional incentive; or (iii) to any animal brought into the Commonwealth temporarily for the purpose of hunting or legal exhibition within this state.D\n\nAny person who violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":239994,"text":"It shall be unlawful for any person to import into the Commonwealth from another state any pet animal, including dogs, cats, monkeys, or other animals, ferae naturae, wild or tame under domestication or in custody, or any poultry not intended for commercial use that by its nature is fit for use only as a pet, unless such animal is accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection issued by an accredited veterinarian. Such certificate shall be on an official interstate certificate of veterinary inspection issued by the state of origin, shall be dated no more than 10 days before shipment, and shall contain such evidence of proof of the health of the animal as the Board, by regulation, may require.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":239995,"text":"Any animal imported into the Commonwealth without a certificate may be examined immediately by the State Veterinarian, his representative, or a licensed veterinarian designated by him, and the examination cost may be charged to the owner or the person in possession of the animal. If, in the opinion of the State Veterinarian or his representative, there is danger from contagion or infection, the animal may be placed in quarantine at the expense of the owner until all danger of infection or contagion has passed, whereupon the animal shall be released upon the order of the State Veterinarian or his representative.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":239996,"text":"The provisions of this section shall not apply to any ornamental aquarium fish or invertebrate animal, or an animal accompanied by a passport approved by the State Veterinarian. The provisions of this section shall also not apply to: (i) any animal as herein defined passing directly through the Commonwealth to another state in interstate commerce, or when such animal is kept properly under control by its owner or custodian when passing through the Commonwealth to another state; (ii) any animal brought into the Commonwealth by a resident or by a resident of another state who intends to make his residence in the Commonwealth except if brought into the Commonwealth with the intent of offering it for public sale, trade, or promotional incentive; or (iii) to any animal brought into the Commonwealth temporarily for the purpose of hunting or legal exhibition within this state.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":239997,"text":"Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":16248,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"59","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13169,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 04:11:08","date_modified":"2026-06-26 04:11:08","permalink":{"id":198135,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":16248,"identifier":"59","token":"3.2\/V\/59","url":"\/3.2\/V\/59\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13169,"edition_id":1,"name":"Domestic Animals","identifier":"V","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12793,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","permalink":{"id":198133,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13169,"identifier":"V","token":"3.2\/V","url":"\/3.2\/V\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12793,"edition_id":1,"name":"Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food","identifier":"3.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","permalink":{"id":193939,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12793,"identifier":"3.2","token":"3.2","url":"\/3.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":73581,"structure_id":16248,"section_number":"3.2-5900","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/3.2-5900\/","token":"3.2\/V\/59\/3.2-5900","metadata":false},{"id":71130,"structure_id":16248,"section_number":"3.2-5901","catch_line":"State Veterinarian and representatives","url":"\/3.2-5901\/","token":"3.2\/V\/59\/3.2-5901","metadata":false},{"id":85972,"structure_id":16248,"section_number":"3.2-5901.1","catch_line":"State Animal Welfare Inspector","url":"\/3.2-5901.1\/","token":"3.2\/V\/59\/3.2-5901.1","metadata":false},{"id":67070,"structure_id":16248,"section_number":"3.2-5901.2","catch_line":"State Veterinarian; large animal veterinary grant program","url":"\/3.2-5901.2\/","token":"3.2\/V\/59\/3.2-5901.2","metadata":false},{"id":66051,"structure_id":16248,"section_number":"3.2-5902","catch_line":"Certificate of veterinary inspection required for importation of certain pet animals; examination; exceptions; penalty","url":"\/3.2-5902\/","token":"3.2\/V\/59\/3.2-5902","metadata":false},{"id":75839,"structure_id":16248,"section_number":"3.2-5903","catch_line":"Laboratory for diagnosis of diseases","url":"\/3.2-5903\/","token":"3.2\/V\/59\/3.2-5903","metadata":false},{"id":79044,"structure_id":16248,"section_number":"3.2-5904","catch_line":"Authority of the Commissioner; coyotes; black vultures","url":"\/3.2-5904\/","token":"3.2\/V\/59\/3.2-5904","metadata":false},{"id":65604,"structure_id":16248,"section_number":"3.2-5905","catch_line":"Compensation for animals slaughtered or animals or animal products destroyed to control or eradicate an animal disease outbreak","url":"\/3.2-5905\/","token":"3.2\/V\/59\/3.2-5905","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":67070,"structure_id":16248,"section_number":"3.2-5901.2","catch_line":"State Veterinarian; large animal veterinary grant program","url":"\/3.2-5901.2\/","token":"3.2\/V\/59\/3.2-5901.2","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":75839,"structure_id":16248,"section_number":"3.2-5903","catch_line":"Laboratory for diagnosis of diseases","url":"\/3.2-5903\/","token":"3.2\/V\/59\/3.2-5903","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/3.2-5902\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 5 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1964, chapter 153; in 1966, chapter 702; in 1993, chapter 174; in 2001, chapters 311<\/a> and 333<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 860<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":86745,"section_number":"3.2-6521","catch_line":"Rabies inoculation of companion animals; availability of certificate; rabies clinics","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6521\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":198153,"object_type":"law","relational_id":66051,"identifier":"3.2-5902","token":"3.2\/V\/59\/3.2-5902","url":"\/3.2-5902\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/3.2-5902\/","token":"3.2\/V\/59\/3.2-5902","dublin_core":{"Title":"Certificate of veterinary inspection required for importation of certain pet animals; examination; exceptions; penalty","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 3.2-5902","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> It shall be unlawful for any person to import into the Commonwealth from another state any pet animal<\/span>, including dogs, cats, monkeys, or other animals<\/span>, ferae naturae, wild or tame under domestication or in custody<\/span>, or any poultry<\/span> not intended for commercial use that by its nature is fit for use only as a pet, unless such animal<\/span> is accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection issued by an accredited veterinarian<\/span>. Such certificate shall be on an official interstate certificate of veterinary inspection issued by the state of origin, shall be dated no more than 10 days before shipment, and shall contain such evidence<\/span> of proof of the health of the animal<\/span> as the Board<\/span>, by regulation, may require. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any animal<\/span> imported into the Commonwealth without a certificate may be examined immediately by the State Veterinarian<\/span>, his representative, or a licensed veterinarian designated by him, and the examination cost may be charged to the owner or the person in possession<\/span> of the animal<\/span>. If, in the opinion<\/span> of the State Veterinarian<\/span> or his representative, there is danger from contagion or infection, the animal<\/span> may be placed in quarantine at the expense of the owner until all danger of infection or contagion has passed, whereupon the animal<\/span> shall be released upon the order<\/span> of the State Veterinarian<\/span> or his representative. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The provisions of this section shall not apply to any ornamental aquarium fish or invertebrate animal<\/span>, or an animal<\/span> accompanied by a passport<\/span> approved by the State Veterinarian<\/span>. The provisions of this section shall also not apply to: (i) any animal<\/span> as herein defined passing directly through the Commonwealth to another state in interstate commerce, or when such animal<\/span> is kept properly under control by its owner or custodian when passing through the Commonwealth to another state; (ii) any animal<\/span> brought into the Commonwealth by a resident or by a resident of another state who intends to make his residence in the Commonwealth except if brought into the Commonwealth with the intent<\/span> of offering it for public sale, trade, or promotional incentive; or (iii) to any animal<\/span> brought into the Commonwealth temporarily for the purpose of hunting or legal exhibition within this state. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCERTIFICATE OF VETERINARY INSPECTION REQUIRED FOR IMPORTATION OF CERTAIN PET\nANIMALS; EXAMINATION; EXCEPTIONS; PENALTY (\u00a7 3.2-5902)\n\nA. It shall be unlawful for any person to import into the Commonwealth from\nanother state any pet animal, including dogs, cats, monkeys, or other animals,\nferae naturae, wild or tame under domestication or in custody, or any poultry\nnot intended for commercial use that by its nature is fit for use only as a pet,\nunless such animal is accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection\nissued by an accredited veterinarian. Such certificate shall be on an official\ninterstate certificate of veterinary inspection issued by the state of origin,\nshall be dated no more than 10 days before shipment, and shall contain such\nevidence of proof of the health of the animal as the Board, by regulation, may\nrequire.\n\nB. Any animal imported into the Commonwealth without a certificate may be\nexamined immediately by the State Veterinarian, his representative, or a\nlicensed veterinarian designated by him, and the examination cost may be charged\nto the owner or the person in possession of the animal. If, in the opinion of\nthe State Veterinarian or his representative, there is danger from contagion or\ninfection, the animal may be placed in quarantine at the expense of the owner\nuntil all danger of infection or contagion has passed, whereupon the animal\nshall be released upon the order of the State Veterinarian or his\nrepresentative.\n\nC. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any ornamental aquarium\nfish or invertebrate animal, or an animal accompanied by a passport approved by\nthe State Veterinarian. The provisions of this section shall also not apply to:\n(i) any animal as herein defined passing directly through the Commonwealth to\nanother state in interstate commerce, or when such animal is kept properly under\ncontrol by its owner or custodian when passing through the Commonwealth to\nanother state; (ii) any animal brought into the Commonwealth by a resident or by\na resident of another state who intends to make his residence in the\nCommonwealth except if brought into the Commonwealth with the intent of offering\nit for public sale, trade, or promotional incentive; or (iii) to any animal\nbrought into the Commonwealth temporarily for the purpose of hunting or legal\nexhibition within this state.\n\nD. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a\nClass 1 misdemeanor.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 3-576.1; 1964, c. 153; 1966, c. 702, \u00a7 3.1-735; 1993, c.\n174; 2001, cc. 311, 333; 2008, c. 860.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}