Rabies Control and Licensing of Dogs and Cats

This is the 2026 edition of the code. This is the current edition. It was last updated Aug 02, 2026. Browse all editions.

This is Article 5 of the Code of Virginia, titled “Rabies Control and Licensing of Dogs and Cats.” It is part of Chapter 65 “Comprehensive Animal Care”, which is part of Subtitle V “Domestic Animals”, which is part of Title 3.2 “Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food”. It contains 16 laws.

It’s comprised of the following 16 sections.

§ 3.2-6521	Rabies inoculation of companion animals; availability of certificate; rabies clinics
§ 3.2-6522	Rabid animals
§ 3.2-6523	Inoculation for rabies at public or private animal shelters
§ 3.2-6524	Unlicensed dogs prohibited; ordinances for licensing cats
§ 3.2-6525	Regulations to prevent spread of rabies
§ 3.2-6526	What dog or cat license shall consist of
§ 3.2-6527	How to obtain license
§ 3.2-6528	Amount of license tax
§ 3.2-6529	Veterinarians to provide treasurer with rabies certificate information; civil penalty
§ 3.2-6530	When license tax payable
§ 3.2-6531	Displaying receipts; dogs to wear tags
§ 3.2-6532	Duplicate license tags
§ 3.2-6533	Effect of dog or cat not wearing a license tag as evidence
§ 3.2-6534	Disposition of funds
§ 3.2-6535	Supplemental funds
§ 3.2-6536	Payment of license tax subsequent to summons