{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/3.2-6525.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/3.2-6525.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/3.2-6525.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/3.2-6525.html"}],"law_id":58238,"edition_id":1,"section_id":58238,"structure_id":15236,"section_number":"3.2-6525","catch_line":"Regulations to prevent spread of rabies","history":"1984, c. 492, \u00a7 29-213.69; 1987, c. 488, \u00a7 3.1-796.100; 2001, c. 674; 2008, c. 860; 2010, c. 834; 2020, c. 958.","full_text":"A\n\nThe governing body of any locality may adopt such ordinances, regulations or other measures as may be deemed reasonably necessary to prevent the spread within its boundaries of the disease of rabies. Penalties may be provided for the violation of any such ordinances. If the ordinance declares the existence of an emergency, then the ordinance shall be in force upon passage.B\n\nThe governing body of any locality may adopt an ordinance creating a program for the distribution of oral rabies vaccine within its boundaries to prevent the spread of rabies. An ordinance enacted pursuant to this subsection on or after July 1, 2010, shall be developed in consultation with the Department of Health and with written authorization from the Department of Wildlife Resources in accordance with \u00a7 29.1-508.1 and shall contain the following provisions:1\n\nNotice shall be given to the owner or occupant of property prior to the entry upon the property for the purpose of the distribution of oral rabies vaccine or the use of any other methods to place oral rabies vaccine on the property. Notice shall be given by: (i) sending two letters by first-class mail, at successive intervals of not less than two weeks set forth in the ordinance; and (ii) printing a copy thereof, at least once, in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality concerned. Written notice shall be in a form approved by the governing body and shall include a description of the purpose for which entry upon the property is to be made, the time and method of rabies vaccine distribution at the property, and the submission deadline for requests by any owner or occupant of property who wishes to be excluded from the oral rabies vaccine distribution program.2\n\nThe owner or occupant of property may refuse to allow the distribution of oral rabies vaccine upon such property. The ordinance shall establish procedures to be followed by any owner or occupant who wishes to be excluded from the oral rabies vaccine distribution program, including the time and method by which requests for nonparticipation must be received. If the governing body receives a request for nonparticipation by the owner or occupant of property for the distribution of oral rabies vaccine, no further action shall be taken to distribute oral vaccine, on such property for a period of one year.\n\t\t\t\tNothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit any authority for the distribution of oral rabies vaccine otherwise provided by law.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":213419,"text":"The governing body of any locality may adopt such ordinances, regulations or other measures as may be deemed reasonably necessary to prevent the spread within its boundaries of the disease of rabies. Penalties may be provided for the violation of any such ordinances. If the ordinance declares the existence of an emergency, then the ordinance shall be in force upon passage.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":213420,"text":"The governing body of any locality may adopt an ordinance creating a program for the distribution of oral rabies vaccine within its boundaries to prevent the spread of rabies. An ordinance enacted pursuant to this subsection on or after July 1, 2010, shall be developed in consultation with the Department of Health and with written authorization from the Department of Wildlife Resources in accordance with \u00a7 29.1-508.1 and shall contain the following provisions:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":213421,"text":"Notice shall be given to the owner or occupant of property prior to the entry upon the property for the purpose of the distribution of oral rabies vaccine or the use of any other methods to place oral rabies vaccine on the property. Notice shall be given by: (i) sending two letters by first-class mail, at successive intervals of not less than two weeks set forth in the ordinance; and (ii) printing a copy thereof, at least once, in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality concerned. Written notice shall be in a form approved by the governing body and shall include a description of the purpose for which entry upon the property is to be made, the time and method of rabies vaccine distribution at the property, and the submission deadline for requests by any owner or occupant of property who wishes to be excluded from the oral rabies vaccine distribution program.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":213422,"text":"The owner or occupant of property may refuse to allow the distribution of oral rabies vaccine upon such property. The ordinance shall establish procedures to be followed by any owner or occupant who wishes to be excluded from the oral rabies vaccine distribution program, including the time and method by which requests for nonparticipation must be received. If the governing body receives a request for nonparticipation by the owner or occupant of property for the distribution of oral rabies vaccine, no further action shall be taken to distribute oral vaccine, on such property for a period of one year.\n\t\t\t\tNothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit any authority for the distribution of oral rabies vaccine otherwise provided by law.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1"}},"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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/3.2-6525\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1984. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 492 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 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 1987, chapter 488; in 2001, chapter 674<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 860<\/a>; in 2010, chapter 834<\/a>; in 2020, chapter 958<\/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":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":64715,"section_number":"29.1-508.1","catch_line":"Use of drugs on vertebrate wildlife","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-508.1\/"}],"permalink":{"id":198759,"object_type":"law","relational_id":58238,"identifier":"3.2-6525","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6525","url":"\/3.2-6525\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/3.2-6525\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/5\/3.2-6525","dublin_core":{"Title":"Regulations to prevent spread of rabies","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 3.2-6525","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The governing body of any locality may adopt such ordinances<\/span>, regulations or other measures as may be deemed reasonably necessary to prevent the spread within its boundaries of the disease of rabies. Penalties may be provided for the violation of any such ordinances<\/span>. If the ordinance<\/span> declares the existence of an emergency, then the ordinance<\/span> shall be in force upon passage. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The governing body of any locality may adopt an ordinance<\/span> creating a program for the distribution of oral rabies vaccine within its boundaries to prevent the spread of rabies. An ordinance<\/span> enacted pursuant to this subsection on or after July 1, 2010, shall be developed in consultation with the Department<\/span> of Health and with written authorization from the Department<\/span> of Wildlife Resources in accordance with \u00a7 29.1-508.1<\/a> and shall contain the following provisions: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Notice shall be given to the owner<\/span> or occupant of property prior to the entry upon the property for the purpose of the distribution of oral rabies vaccine or the use of any other methods to place oral rabies vaccine on the property. Notice shall be given by: (i) sending two letters by first-class mail, at successive intervals of not less than two weeks set forth in the ordinance<\/span>; and (ii) printing a copy thereof, at least once, in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality concerned. Written notice shall be in a form approved by the governing body and shall include a description of the purpose for which entry upon the property is to be made, the time and method of rabies vaccine distribution at the property, and the submission deadline for requests by any owner<\/span> or occupant of property who wishes to be excluded from the oral rabies vaccine distribution program. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The owner<\/span> or occupant of property may refuse to allow the distribution of oral rabies vaccine upon such property. The ordinance<\/span> shall establish procedures to be followed by any owner<\/span> or occupant who wishes to be excluded from the oral rabies vaccine distribution program, including the time and method by which requests for nonparticipation must be received. If the governing body receives a request for nonparticipation by the owner<\/span> or occupant of property for the distribution of oral rabies vaccine, no further action shall be taken to distribute oral vaccine, on such property for a period of one year.\n\t\t\t\tNothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit any authority for the distribution of oral rabies vaccine otherwise provided by law<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nREGULATIONS TO PREVENT SPREAD OF RABIES (\u00a7 3.2-6525)\n\nA. The governing body of any locality may adopt such ordinances, regulations or\nother measures as may be deemed reasonably necessary to prevent the spread\nwithin its boundaries of the disease of rabies. Penalties may be provided for\nthe violation of any such ordinances. If the ordinance declares the existence of\nan emergency, then the ordinance shall be in force upon passage.\n\nB. The governing body of any locality may adopt an ordinance creating a program\nfor the distribution of oral rabies vaccine within its boundaries to prevent the\nspread of rabies. An ordinance enacted pursuant to this subsection on or after\nJuly 1, 2010, shall be developed in consultation with the Department of Health\nand with written authorization from the Department of Wildlife Resources in\naccordance with \u00a7 29.1-508.1 and shall contain the following provisions:\n\n 1. Notice shall be given to the owner or occupant of property prior to the\n entry upon the property for the purpose of the distribution of oral rabies\n vaccine or the use of any other methods to place oral rabies vaccine on the\n property. Notice shall be given by: (i) sending two letters by first-class\n mail, at successive intervals of not less than two weeks set forth in the\n ordinance; and (ii) printing a copy thereof, at least once, in a newspaper of\n general circulation in the locality concerned. Written notice shall be in a\n form approved by the governing body and shall include a description of the\n purpose for which entry upon the property is to be made, the time and method\n of rabies vaccine distribution at the property, and the submission deadline\n for requests by any owner or occupant of property who wishes to be excluded\n from the oral rabies vaccine distribution program.\n\n 2. The owner or occupant of property may refuse to allow the distribution of\n oral rabies vaccine upon such property. The ordinance shall establish\n procedures to be followed by any owner or occupant who wishes to be excluded\n from the oral rabies vaccine distribution program, including the time and\n method by which requests for nonparticipation must be received. If the\n governing body receives a request for nonparticipation by the owner or\n occupant of property for the distribution of oral rabies vaccine, no further\n action shall be taken to distribute oral vaccine, on such property for a\n period of one year.\n \t\t\t\tNothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit any authority for\n the distribution of oral rabies vaccine otherwise provided by law.\n\nHISTORY: 1984, c. 492, \u00a7 29-213.69; 1987, c. 488, \u00a7 3.1-796.100; 2001, c. 674;\n2008, c. 860; 2010, c. 834; 2020, c. 958.","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}}