Virginia Decodedhttps://vacode.org561763.2-6578Exemptions2025Agriculture, Animal Care, and FoodDomestic AnimalsComprehensive Animal CareMandatory Sterilization of Dogs and Cats Adopted From Releasing Agencies

This article shall not apply to:

1. An owner reclaiming his dog or cat from a releasing agency;

2. A releasing agency within a locality that has adopted a more stringent mandatory sterilization ordinance; and

3. A local governing body that has disposed of an animal by sale or gift to a federal agency, state-supported institution, agency of the Commonwealth, agency of another state, or licensed federal dealer having its principal place of business located within the Commonwealth.

1993, c. 959, § 3.1-796.126:5; 2008, c. 860.