{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/3.2-6522.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/3.2-6522.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/3.2-6522.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/3.2-6522.html"}],"law_id":75503,"edition_id":1,"section_id":75503,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6522","catch_line":"Rabid animals","history":"1984, cc. 492, 527, \u00a7 29-213.68; 1987, c. 488, \u00a7 3.1-796.98; 1988, c. 538; 1991, c. 380; 2003, c. 479; 2008, c. 860; 2010, c. 834; 2014, c. 148; 2018, c. 93; 2023, c. 121.","full_text":"A\n\nWhen there is sufficient reason to believe that the risk of exposure to rabies is elevated, the governing body of any locality may enact, and the local health director may recommend, an emergency ordinance that shall become effective immediately upon passage, requiring owners of all dogs and cats therein to keep the same confined on their premises unless leashed under restraint of the owner in such a manner that persons or animals will not be subject to the danger of being bitten by a rabid animal. Any such emergency ordinance enacted pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be operative for a period not to exceed 30 days unless renewed by the governing body of such locality in consultation with the local health director. The governing body of any locality shall also have the power and authority to pass ordinances restricting the running at large in their respective jurisdiction of dogs and cats that have not been inoculated or vaccinated against rabies and to provide penalties for the violation thereof.B\n\nAny dog or cat showing active signs of rabies or suspected of having rabies that is not known to have exposed a person, companion animal, or livestock to rabies shall be confined under competent observation for such a time as may be necessary to determine a diagnosis. The person confining such dog or cat shall allow the local health director or his designee access to the animal during such confinement. If, in the discretion of the local health director, confinement is impossible or impracticable, such dog or cat shall be euthanized by one of the methods approved by the State Veterinarian as provided in § 3.2-6546. The disposition of other animals showing active signs of rabies shall be determined by the local health director and may include euthanasia and testing.C\n\nEvery person having knowledge of the existence of an animal that is suspected to be rabid and that may have exposed a person, companion animal, or livestock to rabies shall report immediately to the local health department the existence of such animal, the place where seen, the owner’s name, if known, and the signs suggesting rabies.D\n\nAny dog or cat for which no proof of current rabies vaccination is available and that may have been exposed to rabies through a bite, or through saliva or central nervous system tissue, in a fresh open wound or mucous membrane, by an animal suspected to be rabid shall be isolated in a public animal shelter, kennel, or enclosure approved by the local health department for a period not to exceed six months at the expense of the owner or custodian in a manner and by a date certain as determined by the local health director. A rabies vaccination shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian prior to release. Inactivated rabies vaccine may be administered at the beginning of isolation. Any dog or cat so bitten, or exposed to rabies through saliva or central nervous system tissue, in a fresh open wound or mucous membrane with proof of current vaccination, shall be revaccinated by a licensed veterinarian immediately following the exposure and shall be confined to the premises of the owner or custodian, or other site as may be approved by the local health department at the expense of the owner or custodian, for a period of 45 days. If the local health director determines that isolation is not feasible or maintained, such dog or cat shall be euthanized by one of the methods approved by the State Veterinarian as provided in § 3.2-6546. The disposition of such dogs or cats not so confined shall be at the discretion of the local health director. The local health director or his designee shall be granted access to any dog or cat during such isolation or confinement pursuant to this subsection.E\n\nAt the discretion of the local health director, any animal that may have exposed a person shall be confined under competent observation for 10 days at the expense of the owner or custodian, unless the animal develops active signs of rabies, expires, or is euthanized before that time. The person confining the animal shall allow the local health director or his designee access to the animal during such confinement. A seriously injured or sick animal may be euthanized as provided in § 3.2-6546. When determining whether a dog that has bitten a person shall be so confined, the health director shall weigh any proof that the dog has current certificates for both (i) rabies vaccination and (ii) special training for police work, military work, or work as a first responder.F\n\nWhen any suspected rabid animal, other than a dog or cat, exposes or may have exposed a person to rabies through a bite, or through saliva or central nervous system tissue, in a fresh open wound or mucous membrane, decisions regarding the disposition of that animal shall be at the discretion of a local health director and may include euthanasia as provided in § 3.2-6546, or as directed by the state agency with jurisdiction over that species. When any animal, other than a dog or cat, is exposed or may have been exposed to rabies through a bite, or through saliva or central nervous system tissue, in a fresh open wound or mucous membrane, by an animal suspected to be rabid, decisions regarding the disposition of that newly exposed animal shall be at the discretion of a local health director. The local health director or his designee shall be granted access to any animal, other than a dog or cat, during any isolation or confinement of that animal, as may be directed by the local health director.G\n\nWhen any animal may have exposed a person to rabies and subsequently expires due to illness or euthanasia, either within an observation period, where applicable, or as part of a public health investigation, its head or brain shall be sent to the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services of the Department of General Services or be tested as directed by the local health department.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":270978,"text":"When there is sufficient reason to believe that the risk of exposure to rabies is elevated, the governing body of any locality may enact, and the local health director may recommend, an emergency ordinance that shall become effective immediately upon passage, requiring owners of all dogs and cats therein to keep the same confined on their premises unless leashed under restraint of the owner in such a manner that persons or animals will not be subject to the danger of being bitten by a rabid animal. Any such emergency ordinance enacted pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be operative for a period not to exceed 30 days unless renewed by the governing body of such locality in consultation with the local health director. The governing body of any locality shall also have the power and authority to pass ordinances restricting the running at large in their respective jurisdiction of dogs and cats that have not been inoculated or vaccinated against rabies and to provide penalties for the violation thereof.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":270979,"text":"Any dog or cat showing active signs of rabies or suspected of having rabies that is not known to have exposed a person, companion animal, or livestock to rabies shall be confined under competent observation for such a time as may be necessary to determine a diagnosis. The person confining such dog or cat shall allow the local health director or his designee access to the animal during such confinement. If, in the discretion of the local health director, confinement is impossible or impracticable, such dog or cat shall be euthanized by one of the methods approved by the State Veterinarian as provided in § 3.2-6546. The disposition of other animals showing active signs of rabies shall be determined by the local health director and may include euthanasia and testing.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":270980,"text":"Every person having knowledge of the existence of an animal that is suspected to be rabid and that may have exposed a person, companion animal, or livestock to rabies shall report immediately to the local health department the existence of such animal, the place where seen, the owner’s name, if known, and the signs suggesting rabies.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":270981,"text":"Any dog or cat for which no proof of current rabies vaccination is available and that may have been exposed to rabies through a bite, or through saliva or central nervous system tissue, in a fresh open wound or mucous membrane, by an animal suspected to be rabid shall be isolated in a public animal shelter, kennel, or enclosure approved by the local health department for a period not to exceed six months at the expense of the owner or custodian in a manner and by a date certain as determined by the local health director. A rabies vaccination shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian prior to release. Inactivated rabies vaccine may be administered at the beginning of isolation. Any dog or cat so bitten, or exposed to rabies through saliva or central nervous system tissue, in a fresh open wound or mucous membrane with proof of current vaccination, shall be revaccinated by a licensed veterinarian immediately following the exposure and shall be confined to the premises of the owner or custodian, or other site as may be approved by the local health department at the expense of the owner or custodian, for a period of 45 days. If the local health director determines that isolation is not feasible or maintained, such dog or cat shall be euthanized by one of the methods approved by the State Veterinarian as provided in § 3.2-6546. The disposition of such dogs or cats not so confined shall be at the discretion of the local health director. The local health director or his designee shall be granted access to any dog or cat during such isolation or confinement pursuant to this subsection.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":270982,"text":"At the discretion of the local health director, any animal that may have exposed a person shall be confined under competent observation for 10 days at the expense of the owner or custodian, unless the animal develops active signs of rabies, expires, or is euthanized before that time. The person confining the animal shall allow the local health director or his designee access to the animal during such confinement. A seriously injured or sick animal may be euthanized as provided in § 3.2-6546. When determining whether a dog that has bitten a person shall be so confined, the health director shall weigh any proof that the dog has current certificates for both (i) rabies vaccination and (ii) special training for police work, military work, or work as a first responder.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":270983,"text":"When any suspected rabid animal, other than a dog or cat, exposes or may have exposed a person to rabies through a bite, or through saliva or central nervous system tissue, in a fresh open wound or mucous membrane, decisions regarding the disposition of that animal shall be at the discretion of a local health director and may include euthanasia as provided in § 3.2-6546, or as directed by the state agency with jurisdiction over that species. When any animal, other than a dog or cat, is exposed or may have been exposed to rabies through a bite, or through saliva or central nervous system tissue, in a fresh open wound or mucous membrane, by an animal suspected to be rabid, decisions regarding the disposition of that newly exposed animal shall be at the discretion of a local health director. The local health director or his designee shall be granted access to any animal, other than a dog or cat, during any isolation or confinement of that animal, as may be directed by the local health director.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"6":{"id":270984,"text":"When any animal may have exposed a person to rabies and subsequently expires due to illness or euthanasia, either within an observation period, where applicable, or as part of a public health investigation, its head or brain shall be sent to the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services of the Department of General Services or be tested as directed by the local health department.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15236,"edition_id":1,"name":"Rabies Control and Licensing of Dogs and Cats","identifier":"5","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13170,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:53:14","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:53:14","permalink":{"id":198741,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15236,"identifier":"5","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5","url":"\/3.2\/V\/65\/5\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13170,"edition_id":1,"name":"Comprehensive Animal Care","identifier":"65","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13169,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","permalink":{"id":198459,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13170,"identifier":"65","token":"3.2\/V\/65","url":"\/3.2\/V\/65\/","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":86745,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6521","catch_line":"Rabies inoculation of companion animals; availability of certificate; rabies clinics","url":"\/3.2-6521\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6521","metadata":false},{"id":75503,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6522","catch_line":"Rabid animals","url":"\/3.2-6522\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6522","metadata":false},{"id":58007,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6523","catch_line":"Inoculation for rabies at public or private animal shelters","url":"\/3.2-6523\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6523","metadata":false},{"id":82658,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6524","catch_line":"Unlicensed dogs prohibited; ordinances for licensing cats","url":"\/3.2-6524\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6524","metadata":false},{"id":58238,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6525","catch_line":"Regulations to prevent spread of rabies","url":"\/3.2-6525\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6525","metadata":false},{"id":70250,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6526","catch_line":"What dog or cat license shall consist of","url":"\/3.2-6526\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6526","metadata":false},{"id":67259,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6527","catch_line":"How to obtain license","url":"\/3.2-6527\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6527","metadata":false},{"id":69325,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6528","catch_line":"Amount of license tax","url":"\/3.2-6528\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6528","metadata":false},{"id":65339,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6529","catch_line":"Veterinarians to provide treasurer with rabies certificate information; civil penalty","url":"\/3.2-6529\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6529","metadata":false},{"id":67095,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6530","catch_line":"When license tax payable","url":"\/3.2-6530\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6530","metadata":false},{"id":72870,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6531","catch_line":"Displaying receipts; dogs to wear tags","url":"\/3.2-6531\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6531","metadata":false},{"id":84654,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6532","catch_line":"Duplicate license tags","url":"\/3.2-6532\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6532","metadata":false},{"id":82312,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6533","catch_line":"Effect of dog or cat not wearing a license tag as evidence","url":"\/3.2-6533\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6533","metadata":false},{"id":84310,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6534","catch_line":"Disposition of funds","url":"\/3.2-6534\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6534","metadata":false},{"id":67692,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6535","catch_line":"Supplemental funds","url":"\/3.2-6535\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6535","metadata":false},{"id":80690,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6536","catch_line":"Payment of license tax subsequent to summons","url":"\/3.2-6536\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6536","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":86745,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6521","catch_line":"Rabies inoculation of companion animals; availability of certificate; rabies clinics","url":"\/3.2-6521\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6521","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":58007,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6523","catch_line":"Inoculation for rabies at public or private animal shelters","url":"\/3.2-6523\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6523","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/3.2-6522\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1984. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 492 and 527 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1984 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 9 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 1987, chapter 488; in 1988, chapter 538; in 1991, chapter 380; in 2003, chapter 479<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 860<\/a>; in 2010, chapter 834<\/a>; in 2014, chapter 148<\/a>; in 2018, chapter 93<\/a>; in 2023, chapter 121<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":62257,"section_number":"18.2-403.3","catch_line":"Offenses involving animals \u2014 Class 4 misdemeanors","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-403.3\/"},{"id":86401,"section_number":"3.2-6500","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6500\/"},{"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\/"},{"id":58007,"section_number":"3.2-6523","catch_line":"Inoculation for rabies at public or private animal shelters","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6523\/"},{"id":83607,"section_number":"3.2-6587","catch_line":"Unlawful acts; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6587\/"},{"id":72314,"section_number":"32.1-48.3","catch_line":"Regulations of Commissioner covering local ordinances and requirements","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-48.3\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":84667,"section_number":"3.2-6546","catch_line":"County or city public animal shelters; confinement and disposition of animals; affiliation with foster care providers; penalties; injunctive relief","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6546\/"}],"permalink":{"id":198747,"object_type":"law","relational_id":75503,"identifier":"3.2-6522","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6522","url":"\/3.2-6522\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/3.2-6522\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6522","dublin_core":{"Title":"Rabid animals","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 3.2-6522","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> When there is sufficient reason to believe that the risk of exposure to rabies is elevated, the governing body of any locality may enact, and the local health director may recommend, an emergency ordinance<\/span> that shall become effective immediately upon passage, requiring owners<\/span> of all dogs and cats therein to keep the same confined on their premises unless leashed under restraint of the owner<\/span> in such a manner that persons or animals<\/span> will not be subject to the danger of being bitten by a rabid animal<\/span>. Any such emergency ordinance<\/span> enacted pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be operative for a period not to exceed 30 days unless renewed by the governing body of such locality in consultation with the local health director. The governing body of any locality shall also have the power and authority to pass ordinances<\/span> restricting the running at large in their respective jurisdiction<\/span> of dogs and cats that have not been inoculated or vaccinated against rabies and to provide penalties for the violation thereof. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any dog or cat showing active signs of rabies or suspected of having rabies that is not known to have exposed a person, companion animal<\/span>, or livestock<\/span> to rabies shall be confined under competent observation for such a time as may be necessary to determine a diagnosis. The person confining such dog or cat shall allow the local health director or his designee access to the animal during such confinement. If, in the discretion of the local health director, confinement is impossible or impracticable, such dog or cat shall be euthanized by one of the methods approved by the State Veterinarian<\/span> as provided in § 3.2-6546<\/a>. The disposition<\/span> of other animals<\/span> showing active signs of rabies shall be determined by the local health director and may include euthanasia<\/span> and testing. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Every person having knowledge of the existence of an animal that is suspected to be rabid and that may have exposed a person, companion animal<\/span>, or livestock<\/span> to rabies shall report immediately to the local health department<\/span> the existence of such animal, the place where seen, the owner<\/span>’s name, if known, and the signs suggesting rabies. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Any dog or cat for which no proof of current rabies vaccination is available and that may have been exposed to rabies through a bite, or through saliva or central nervous system tissue, in a fresh open wound or mucous membrane, by an animal suspected to be rabid shall be isolated in a public animal shelter<\/span>, kennel<\/span>, or enclosure<\/span> approved by the local health department<\/span> for a period not to exceed six months at the expense of the owner<\/span> or custodian in a manner and by a date certain as determined by the local health director. A rabies vaccination shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian prior to release. Inactivated rabies vaccine may be administered at the beginning of isolation. Any dog or cat so bitten, or exposed to rabies through saliva or central nervous system tissue, in a fresh open wound or mucous membrane with proof of current vaccination, shall be revaccinated by a licensed veterinarian immediately following the exposure and shall be confined to the premises of the owner<\/span> or custodian, or other site as may be approved by the local health department<\/span> at the expense of the owner<\/span> or custodian, for a period of 45 days. If the local health director determines that isolation is not feasible or maintained, such dog or cat shall be euthanized by one of the methods approved by the State Veterinarian<\/span> as provided in § 3.2-6546<\/a>. The disposition<\/span> of such dogs or cats not so confined shall be at the discretion of the local health director. The local health director or his designee shall be granted access to any dog or cat during such isolation or confinement pursuant to this subsection. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> At the discretion of the local health director, any animal that may have exposed a person shall be confined under competent observation for 10 days at the expense of the owner<\/span> or custodian, unless the animal develops active signs of rabies, expires, or is euthanized before that time. The person confining the animal shall allow the local health director or his designee access to the animal during such confinement. A seriously injured or sick animal may be euthanized as provided in § 3.2-6546<\/a>. When determining whether a dog that has bitten a person shall be so confined, the health director shall weigh any proof that the dog has current certificates for both (i) rabies vaccination and (ii) special training for police work, military work, or work as a first responder. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> When any suspected rabid animal, other than a dog or cat, exposes or may have exposed a person to rabies through a bite, or through saliva or central nervous system tissue, in a fresh open wound or mucous membrane, decisions regarding the disposition<\/span> of that animal shall be at the discretion of a local health director and may include euthanasia<\/span> as provided in § 3.2-6546<\/a>, or as directed by the state agency with jurisdiction<\/span> over that species. When any animal, other than a dog or cat, is exposed or may have been exposed to rabies through a bite, or through saliva or central nervous system tissue, in a fresh open wound or mucous membrane, by an animal suspected to be rabid, decisions regarding the disposition<\/span> of that newly exposed animal shall be at the discretion of a local health director. The local health director or his designee shall be granted access to any animal, other than a dog or cat, during any isolation or confinement of that animal, as may be directed by the local health director. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> When any animal may have exposed a person to rabies and subsequently expires due to illness or euthanasia<\/span>, either within an observation period, where applicable, or as part of a public health investigation, its head or brain shall be sent to the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services of the Department<\/span> of General Services or be tested as directed by the local health department<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nRABID ANIMALS (\u00a7 3.2-6522)\n\nA. When there is sufficient reason to believe that the risk of exposure to\nrabies is elevated, the governing body of any locality may enact, and the local\nhealth director may recommend, an emergency ordinance that shall become\neffective immediately upon passage, requiring owners of all dogs and cats\ntherein to keep the same confined on their premises unless leashed under\nrestraint of the owner in such a manner that persons or animals will not be\nsubject to the danger of being bitten by a rabid animal. Any such emergency\nordinance enacted pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be operative\nfor a period not to exceed 30 days unless renewed by the governing body of such\nlocality in consultation with the local health director. The governing body of\nany locality shall also have the power and authority to pass ordinances\nrestricting the running at large in their respective jurisdiction of dogs and\ncats that have not been inoculated or vaccinated against rabies and to provide\npenalties for the violation thereof.\n\nB. Any dog or cat showing active signs of rabies or suspected of having rabies\nthat is not known to have exposed a person, companion animal, or livestock to\nrabies shall be confined under competent observation for such a time as may be\nnecessary to determine a diagnosis. The person confining such dog or cat shall\nallow the local health director or his designee access to the animal during such\nconfinement. If, in the discretion of the local health director, confinement is\nimpossible or impracticable, such dog or cat shall be euthanized by one of the\nmethods approved by the State Veterinarian as provided in § 3.2-6546. The\ndisposition of other animals showing active signs of rabies shall be determined\nby the local health director and may include euthanasia and testing.\n\nC. Every person having knowledge of the existence of an animal that is suspected\nto be rabid and that may have exposed a person, companion animal, or livestock\nto rabies shall report immediately to the local health department the existence\nof such animal, the place where seen, the owner’s name, if known, and the\nsigns suggesting rabies.\n\nD. Any dog or cat for which no proof of current rabies vaccination is available\nand that may have been exposed to rabies through a bite, or through saliva or\ncentral nervous system tissue, in a fresh open wound or mucous membrane, by an\nanimal suspected to be rabid shall be isolated in a public animal shelter,\nkennel, or enclosure approved by the local health department for a period not to\nexceed six months at the expense of the owner or custodian in a manner and by a\ndate certain as determined by the local health director. A rabies vaccination\nshall be administered by a licensed veterinarian prior to release. Inactivated\nrabies vaccine may be administered at the beginning of isolation. Any dog or cat\nso bitten, or exposed to rabies through saliva or central nervous system tissue,\nin a fresh open wound or mucous membrane with proof of current vaccination,\nshall be revaccinated by a licensed veterinarian immediately following the\nexposure and shall be confined to the premises of the owner or custodian, or\nother site as may be approved by the local health department at the expense of\nthe owner or custodian, for a period of 45 days. If the local health director\ndetermines that isolation is not feasible or maintained, such dog or cat shall\nbe euthanized by one of the methods approved by the State Veterinarian as\nprovided in § 3.2-6546. The disposition of such dogs or cats not so\nconfined shall be at the discretion of the local health director. The local\nhealth director or his designee shall be granted access to any dog or cat during\nsuch isolation or confinement pursuant to this subsection.\n\nE. At the discretion of the local health director, any animal that may have\nexposed a person shall be confined under competent observation for 10 days at\nthe expense of the owner or custodian, unless the animal develops active signs\nof rabies, expires, or is euthanized before that time. The person confining the\nanimal shall allow the local health director or his designee access to the\nanimal during such confinement. A seriously injured or sick animal may be\neuthanized as provided in § 3.2-6546. When determining whether a dog that\nhas bitten a person shall be so confined, the health director shall weigh any\nproof that the dog has current certificates for both (i) rabies vaccination and\n(ii) special training for police work, military work, or work as a first\nresponder.\n\nF. When any suspected rabid animal, other than a dog or cat, exposes or may have\nexposed a person to rabies through a bite, or through saliva or central nervous\nsystem tissue, in a fresh open wound or mucous membrane, decisions regarding the\ndisposition of that animal shall be at the discretion of a local health director\nand may include euthanasia as provided in § 3.2-6546, or as directed by the\nstate agency with jurisdiction over that species. When any animal, other than a\ndog or cat, is exposed or may have been exposed to rabies through a bite, or\nthrough saliva or central nervous system tissue, in a fresh open wound or mucous\nmembrane, by an animal suspected to be rabid, decisions regarding the\ndisposition of that newly exposed animal shall be at the discretion of a local\nhealth director. The local health director or his designee shall be granted\naccess to any animal, other than a dog or cat, during any isolation or\nconfinement of that animal, as may be directed by the local health director.\n\nG. When any animal may have exposed a person to rabies and subsequently expires\ndue to illness or euthanasia, either within an observation period, where\napplicable, or as part of a public health investigation, its head or brain shall\nbe sent to the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services of the Department of\nGeneral Services or be tested as directed by the local health department.\n\nHISTORY: 1984, cc. 492, 527, \u00a7 29-213.68; 1987, c. 488, \u00a7 3.1-796.98; 1988, c.\n538; 1991, c. 380; 2003, c. 479; 2008, c. 860; 2010, c. 834; 2014, c. 148; 2018,\nc. 93; 2023, c. 121.","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}}