{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/3.2-6548.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/3.2-6548.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/3.2-6548.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/3.2-6548.html"}],"law_id":83344,"edition_id":1,"section_id":83344,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6548","catch_line":"Private animal shelters; confinement and disposition of animals; affiliation with foster care providers; penalties; injunctive relief","history":"2001, c. 727, \u00a7 3.1-796.96:2; 2002, cc. 53, 208, 787; 2003, cc. 770, 1007; 2008, c. 860; 2014, c. 148.","full_text":"A\n\nA private animal shelter may confine and dispose of animals in accordance with the provisions of subsections B through G of § 3.2-6546.B\n\nEach private animal shelter shall obtain a signed statement from each of its directors, operators, staff, and animal caregivers specifying that the individual has never been convicted of animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment, and each shelter shall update such statement as changes occur.C\n\nThe State Veterinarian or his representative shall inspect a private animal shelter prior to the shelter confining or disposing of animals pursuant to this section. The shelter shall meet the requirements of all laws with regard to confinement and disposition of animals before the shelter is approved to receive animals and provide a reasonable and comfortable climate appropriate for the age, species, condition, size, and type of animal.D\n\nA private animal shelter that confines an animal that has not been received from its owner shall, pursuant to this section, transmit a description of the animal including at least species, color, breed, size, sex, and other identification or markings and where the animal was found, and its contact information, including its name, address, and telephone number, to the public animal shelter in the county or city where the animal was found within 48 hours of the shelter receiving the animal. A shelter that confines and disposes of animals pursuant to this subsection shall be accessible to the public at reasonable hours, shall have its telephone number and address listed in a telephone directory, and shall post its contact information, including at least its name, address, and telephone number, in the public animal shelter in the locality where the shelter is located.E\n\nFor purposes of recordkeeping, release of an animal by a private shelter to a public or private animal shelter or other releasing agency shall be considered a transfer and not an adoption. If the animal is not first sterilized, the responsibility for sterilizing the animal transfers to the receiving entity.F\n\nNo private animal shelter shall place a companion animal in a foster home with a foster care provider unless the foster care provider has read and signed a statement specifying that he has never been convicted of animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment, and the shelter shall update the statement as changes occur. The shelter shall maintain the original statement and any updates to such statement in accordance with this chapter and for at least so long as the shelter has an affiliation with the foster care provider.G\n\nA private animal shelter that places a companion animal in a foster home with a foster care provider shall ensure that the foster care provider complies with § 3.2-6503.H\n\nIf a private animal shelter finds a direct and immediate threat to a companion animal placed with a foster care provider, it shall report its findings to the animal control agency in the locality where the foster care provider is located.I\n\nNo private animal shelter shall be operated in violation of any local zoning ordinance.J\n\nA private animal shelter that confines and disposes of animals pursuant to this section shall be operated in accordance with this chapter. If this chapter is violated, the shelter may be assessed a civil penalty by the Board or its designee in an amount that does not exceed $1,000 per violation. Each day of the violation is a separate offense. In determining the amount of any civil penalty, the Board or its designee shall consider: (i) the history of previous violations at the shelter; (ii) whether the violation has caused injury to, death or suffering of, an animal; and (iii) the demonstrated good faith of the shelter to achieve compliance after notification of the violation. All civil penalties assessed under this section shall be recovered in a civil action brought by the Attorney General in the name of the Commonwealth. Such civil penalties shall be paid into a special fund in the state treasury to the credit of the Department to be used in carrying out the purposes of this chapter.K\n\nIf this chapter or any laws governing private animal shelters are violated, the Commissioner may bring an action to enjoin the violation or threatened violation of this chapter or the regulations pursuant thereto regarding private animal shelters, in the circuit court where the shelter is located. The Commissioner may request the Attorney General to bring such an action, when appropriate.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":298599,"text":"A private animal shelter may confine and dispose of animals in accordance with the provisions of subsections B through G of § 3.2-6546.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":298600,"text":"Each private animal shelter shall obtain a signed statement from each of its directors, operators, staff, and animal caregivers specifying that the individual has never been convicted of animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment, and each shelter shall update such statement as changes occur.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":298601,"text":"The State Veterinarian or his representative shall inspect a private animal shelter prior to the shelter confining or disposing of animals pursuant to this section. The shelter shall meet the requirements of all laws with regard to confinement and disposition of animals before the shelter is approved to receive animals and provide a reasonable and comfortable climate appropriate for the age, species, condition, size, and type of animal.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":298602,"text":"A private animal shelter that confines an animal that has not been received from its owner shall, pursuant to this section, transmit a description of the animal including at least species, color, breed, size, sex, and other identification or markings and where the animal was found, and its contact information, including its name, address, and telephone number, to the public animal shelter in the county or city where the animal was found within 48 hours of the shelter receiving the animal. A shelter that confines and disposes of animals pursuant to this subsection shall be accessible to the public at reasonable hours, shall have its telephone number and address listed in a telephone directory, and shall post its contact information, including at least its name, address, and telephone number, in the public animal shelter in the locality where the shelter is located.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":298603,"text":"For purposes of recordkeeping, release of an animal by a private shelter to a public or private animal shelter or other releasing agency shall be considered a transfer and not an adoption. If the animal is not first sterilized, the responsibility for sterilizing the animal transfers to the receiving entity.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":298604,"text":"No private animal shelter shall place a companion animal in a foster home with a foster care provider unless the foster care provider has read and signed a statement specifying that he has never been convicted of animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment, and the shelter shall update the statement as changes occur. The shelter shall maintain the original statement and any updates to such statement in accordance with this chapter and for at least so long as the shelter has an affiliation with the foster care provider.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"6":{"id":298605,"text":"A private animal shelter that places a companion animal in a foster home with a foster care provider shall ensure that the foster care provider complies with § 3.2-6503.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"7":{"id":298606,"text":"If a private animal shelter finds a direct and immediate threat to a companion animal placed with a foster care provider, it shall report its findings to the animal control agency in the locality where the foster care provider is located.","type":"section","prefixes":["H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"H","prefix_anchor":"H","level":1,"prior_prefix":"G","next_prefix":"I"},"8":{"id":298607,"text":"No private animal shelter shall be operated in violation of any local zoning ordinance.","type":"section","prefixes":["I"],"prefix":"I","entire_prefix":"I","prefix_anchor":"I","level":1,"prior_prefix":"H","next_prefix":"J"},"9":{"id":298608,"text":"A private animal shelter that confines and disposes of animals pursuant to this section shall be operated in accordance with this chapter. If this chapter is violated, the shelter may be assessed a civil penalty by the Board or its designee in an amount that does not exceed $1,000 per violation. Each day of the violation is a separate offense. In determining the amount of any civil penalty, the Board or its designee shall consider: (i) the history of previous violations at the shelter; (ii) whether the violation has caused injury to, death or suffering of, an animal; and (iii) the demonstrated good faith of the shelter to achieve compliance after notification of the violation. All civil penalties assessed under this section shall be recovered in a civil action brought by the Attorney General in the name of the Commonwealth. Such civil penalties shall be paid into a special fund in the state treasury to the credit of the Department to be used in carrying out the purposes of this chapter.","type":"section","prefixes":["J"],"prefix":"J","entire_prefix":"J","prefix_anchor":"J","level":1,"prior_prefix":"I","next_prefix":"K"},"10":{"id":298609,"text":"If this chapter or any laws governing private animal shelters are violated, the Commissioner may bring an action to enjoin the violation or threatened violation of this chapter or the regulations pursuant thereto regarding private animal shelters, in the circuit court where the shelter is located. The Commissioner may request the Attorney General to bring such an action, when appropriate.","type":"section","prefixes":["K"],"prefix":"K","entire_prefix":"K","prefix_anchor":"K","level":1,"prior_prefix":"J"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13171,"edition_id":1,"name":"Authority of Local Governing Bodies","identifier":"6","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13170,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:23","permalink":{"id":198807,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13171,"identifier":"6","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6","url":"\/3.2\/V\/65\/6\/","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":81839,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6537","catch_line":"Ordinances; penalties","url":"\/3.2-6537\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6537","metadata":false},{"id":74955,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6537.1","catch_line":"Cash bond for a pet shop obtaining certain dogs","url":"\/3.2-6537.1\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6537.1","metadata":false},{"id":75887,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6538","catch_line":"Governing body of any locality may prohibit dogs from running at large; civil penalty","url":"\/3.2-6538\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6538","metadata":false},{"id":54470,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6539","catch_line":"Ordinance requiring dogs to be kept on leash","url":"\/3.2-6539\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6539","metadata":false},{"id":86290,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6540","catch_line":"Dangerous dogs; investigation, summons, and hearing","url":"\/3.2-6540\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6540","metadata":false},{"id":78978,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6540.01","catch_line":"Obligations of officer and owner following dangerous dog finding","url":"\/3.2-6540.01\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6540.01","metadata":false},{"id":61898,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6540.02","catch_line":"Notice of dangerous dog finding; penalty","url":"\/3.2-6540.02\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6540.02","metadata":false},{"id":76550,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6540.03","catch_line":"Violation of law by owner of dangerous dog; penalty","url":"\/3.2-6540.03\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6540.03","metadata":false},{"id":54186,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6540.04","catch_line":"Subsequent attack or bite by dangerous dog; penalty","url":"\/3.2-6540.04\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6540.04","metadata":false},{"id":82525,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6540.1","catch_line":"Vicious dogs; penalties","url":"\/3.2-6540.1\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6540.1","metadata":false},{"id":64609,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6541","catch_line":"Authority to prohibit training of attack dogs","url":"\/3.2-6541\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6541","metadata":false},{"id":67596,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6541.1","catch_line":"Authority to prohibit ownership of particular breed","url":"\/3.2-6541.1\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6541.1","metadata":false},{"id":60877,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6542","catch_line":"Establishment of Dangerous Dog Registry","url":"\/3.2-6542\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6542","metadata":false},{"id":71489,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6542.1","catch_line":"Renewal of dangerous dog registration","url":"\/3.2-6542.1\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6542.1","metadata":false},{"id":81226,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6542.2","catch_line":"Dangerous dog fees; local fund","url":"\/3.2-6542.2\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6542.2","metadata":false},{"id":78689,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6543","catch_line":"Governing body of any locality may adopt certain ordinances","url":"\/3.2-6543\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6543","metadata":false},{"id":66579,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6543.1","catch_line":"Authority to enact parallel dangerous dog ordinance","url":"\/3.2-6543.1\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6543.1","metadata":false},{"id":64002,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6544","catch_line":"Regulation of keeping of animals and fowl","url":"\/3.2-6544\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6544","metadata":false},{"id":65760,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6545","catch_line":"Regulation of sale of animals procured from animal shelters","url":"\/3.2-6545\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6545","metadata":false},{"id":84667,"structure_id":13171,"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","url":"\/3.2-6546\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6546","metadata":false},{"id":73172,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6547","catch_line":"Acceptance of animals for research or experimentation; prohibition","url":"\/3.2-6547\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6547","metadata":false},{"id":83344,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6548","catch_line":"Private animal shelters; confinement and disposition of animals; affiliation with foster care providers; penalties; injunctive relief","url":"\/3.2-6548\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6548","metadata":false},{"id":86437,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6549","catch_line":"Releasing agencies other than public or private animal shelters; confinement and disposition of companion animals; recordkeeping; affiliation with foster care providers; penalties","url":"\/3.2-6549\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6549","metadata":false},{"id":85287,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6550","catch_line":"Requirements for foster homes; 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prohibition","url":"\/3.2-6547\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6547","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":86437,"structure_id":13171,"section_number":"3.2-6549","catch_line":"Releasing agencies other than public or private animal shelters; confinement and disposition of companion animals; recordkeeping; affiliation with foster care providers; penalties","url":"\/3.2-6549\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6549","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/3.2-6548\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2001. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 727<\/a> 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. It has been modified 4 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 2002, chapters 53<\/a>, 208<\/a>, and 787<\/a>; in 2003, chapters 770<\/a> and 1007<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 860<\/a>; in 2014, chapter 148<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"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\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":198893,"object_type":"law","relational_id":83344,"identifier":"3.2-6548","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6548","url":"\/3.2-6548\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/3.2-6548\/","token":"3.2\/V\/65\/6\/3.2-6548","dublin_core":{"Title":"Private animal shelters; confinement and disposition of animals; affiliation with foster care providers; penalties; injunctive relief","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 3.2-6548","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> A private animal shelter<\/span> may confine and dispose of animals<\/span> in accordance with the provisions of subsections B through G of § 3.2-6546<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Each private animal shelter<\/span> shall obtain a signed statement from each of its directors, operators, staff, and animal caregivers specifying that the individual has never been convicted of animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment, and each shelter shall update such statement as changes occur. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The State Veterinarian<\/span> or his representative shall inspect a private animal shelter<\/span> prior to the shelter confining or disposing of animals<\/span> pursuant to this section. The shelter shall meet the requirements of all laws<\/span> with regard to confinement and disposition<\/span> of animals<\/span> before the shelter is approved to receive animals<\/span> and provide a reasonable and comfortable climate appropriate for the age, species, condition, size, and type of animal. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> A private animal shelter<\/span> that confines an animal that has not been received from its owner<\/span> shall, pursuant to this section, transmit a description of the animal including at least species, color, breed, size, sex, and other identification or markings and where the animal was found, and its contact information, including its name, address, and telephone number, to the public animal shelter<\/span> in the county or city where the animal was found within 48 hours of the shelter receiving the animal. A shelter that confines and disposes of animals<\/span> pursuant to this subsection shall be accessible to the public at reasonable hours, shall have its telephone number and address listed in a telephone directory, and shall post its contact information, including at least its name, address, and telephone number, in the public animal shelter<\/span> in the locality where the shelter is located. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> For purposes of recordkeeping, release of an animal by a private shelter to a public or private animal shelter<\/span> or other releasing agency<\/span> shall be considered a transfer and not an adoption<\/span>. If the animal is not first sterilized, the responsibility for sterilizing the animal transfers to the receiving entity. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> No private animal shelter<\/span> shall place a companion animal<\/span> in a foster home<\/span> with a foster care provider<\/span> unless the foster care provider<\/span> has read and signed a statement specifying that he has never been convicted of animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment, and the shelter shall update the statement as changes occur. The shelter shall maintain the original statement and any updates to such statement in accordance with this chapter and for at least so long as the shelter has an affiliation with the foster care provider<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> A private animal shelter<\/span> that places a companion animal<\/span> in a foster home<\/span> with a foster care provider<\/span> shall ensure that the foster care provider<\/span> complies with § 3.2-6503<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> If a private animal shelter<\/span> finds a direct and immediate threat<\/span> to a companion animal<\/span> placed with a foster care provider<\/span>, it shall report its findings<\/span> to the animal control agency in the locality where the foster care provider<\/span> is located. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

I.<\/span> No private animal shelter<\/span> shall be operated in violation of any local zoning ordinance<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

J.<\/span> A private animal shelter<\/span> that confines and disposes of animals<\/span> pursuant to this section shall be operated in accordance with this chapter. If this chapter is violated, the shelter may be assessed a civil penalty<\/span> by the Board<\/span> or its designee in an amount that does not exceed $1,000 per violation. Each day of the violation is a separate offense<\/span>. In determining the amount of any civil penalty<\/span>, the Board<\/span> or its designee shall consider: (i) the history of previous violations at the shelter; (ii) whether the violation has caused injury to, death or suffering of, an animal; and (iii) the demonstrated good faith of the shelter to achieve compliance after notification of the violation. All civil penalties assessed under this section shall be recovered in a civil action<\/span> brought by the Attorney General<\/span> in the name of the Commonwealth. Such civil penalties shall be paid into a special fund in the state treasury to the credit of the Department<\/span> to be used in carrying out the purposes of this chapter. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

K.<\/span> If this chapter or any laws<\/span> governing private animal shelters<\/span> are violated, the Commissioner<\/span> may bring an action to enjoin the violation or threatened violation of this chapter or the regulations pursuant thereto regarding private animal shelters<\/span>, in the circuit<\/span> court<\/span> where the shelter is located. The Commissioner<\/span> may request the Attorney General<\/span> to bring such an action, when appropriate. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPRIVATE ANIMAL SHELTERS; CONFINEMENT AND DISPOSITION OF ANIMALS; AFFILIATION\nWITH FOSTER CARE PROVIDERS; PENALTIES; INJUNCTIVE RELIEF (\u00a7 3.2-6548)\n\nA. A private animal shelter may confine and dispose of animals in accordance\nwith the provisions of subsections B through G of § 3.2-6546.\n\nB. Each private animal shelter shall obtain a signed statement from each of its\ndirectors, operators, staff, and animal caregivers specifying that the\nindividual has never been convicted of animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment,\nand each shelter shall update such statement as changes occur.\n\nC. The State Veterinarian or his representative shall inspect a private animal\nshelter prior to the shelter confining or disposing of animals pursuant to this\nsection. The shelter shall meet the requirements of all laws with regard to\nconfinement and disposition of animals before the shelter is approved to receive\nanimals and provide a reasonable and comfortable climate appropriate for the\nage, species, condition, size, and type of animal.\n\nD. A private animal shelter that confines an animal that has not been received\nfrom its owner shall, pursuant to this section, transmit a description of the\nanimal including at least species, color, breed, size, sex, and other\nidentification or markings and where the animal was found, and its contact\ninformation, including its name, address, and telephone number, to the public\nanimal shelter in the county or city where the animal was found within 48 hours\nof the shelter receiving the animal. A shelter that confines and disposes of\nanimals pursuant to this subsection shall be accessible to the public at\nreasonable hours, shall have its telephone number and address listed in a\ntelephone directory, and shall post its contact information, including at least\nits name, address, and telephone number, in the public animal shelter in the\nlocality where the shelter is located.\n\nE. For purposes of recordkeeping, release of an animal by a private shelter to a\npublic or private animal shelter or other releasing agency shall be considered a\ntransfer and not an adoption. If the animal is not first sterilized, the\nresponsibility for sterilizing the animal transfers to the receiving entity.\n\nF. No private animal shelter shall place a companion animal in a foster home\nwith a foster care provider unless the foster care provider has read and signed\na statement specifying that he has never been convicted of animal cruelty,\nneglect, or abandonment, and the shelter shall update the statement as changes\noccur. The shelter shall maintain the original statement and any updates to such\nstatement in accordance with this chapter and for at least so long as the\nshelter has an affiliation with the foster care provider.\n\nG. A private animal shelter that places a companion animal in a foster home with\na foster care provider shall ensure that the foster care provider complies with\n§ 3.2-6503.\n\nH. If a private animal shelter finds a direct and immediate threat to a\ncompanion animal placed with a foster care provider, it shall report its\nfindings to the animal control agency in the locality where the foster care\nprovider is located.\n\nI. No private animal shelter shall be operated in violation of any local zoning\nordinance.\n\nJ. A private animal shelter that confines and disposes of animals pursuant to\nthis section shall be operated in accordance with this chapter. If this chapter\nis violated, the shelter may be assessed a civil penalty by the Board or its\ndesignee in an amount that does not exceed $1,000 per violation. Each day of the\nviolation is a separate offense. In determining the amount of any civil penalty,\nthe Board or its designee shall consider: (i) the history of previous violations\nat the shelter; (ii) whether the violation has caused injury to, death or\nsuffering of, an animal; and (iii) the demonstrated good faith of the shelter to\nachieve compliance after notification of the violation. All civil penalties\nassessed under this section shall be recovered in a civil action brought by the\nAttorney General in the name of the Commonwealth. Such civil penalties shall be\npaid into a special fund in the state treasury to the credit of the Department\nto be used in carrying out the purposes of this chapter.\n\nK. If this chapter or any laws governing private animal shelters are violated,\nthe Commissioner may bring an action to enjoin the violation or threatened\nviolation of this chapter or the regulations pursuant thereto regarding private\nanimal shelters, in the circuit court where the shelter is located. The\nCommissioner may request the Attorney General to bring such an action, when\nappropriate.\n\nHISTORY: 2001, c. 727, \u00a7 3.1-796.96:2; 2002, cc. 53, 208, 787; 2003, cc. 770,\n1007; 2008, c. 860; 2014, c. 148.","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}}