Virginia Dog Kennel Requirements
The requirements to license a kennel in the State of Virginia varies in each County and City. There are some general requirements that are needed to obtain a kennel license in Virginia for example having records of each dog's rabies vaccination. You will need to go to the dog or animal control department in the County or City that the kennel is to be licensed for the exact requirements.
Location Requirements
Each County and City has zoning ordinances for having a kennel on the property. For example Hanover County does not allow kennels in the following zones R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, RC, RRC, RS and Amherst County requires you to have a Kennel Compliance Certificate from an Animal Control Officer before obtaining a kennel license. There are also different zoning laws for commercial verses non-commercial kennels in each county and some cities.
Animal Count
It is required to have a kennel license if you have more than three to five dogs depending on what county or city in Virginia you are applying for the license in. No more than 50 dogs can be in your kennel with out a permit.
Fees
The fee for a kennel license varies in the counties and cities of Virginia. For example in The City of Chesapeake the fees for a kennel license are five to 20 dogs or cats, 20 dollars per year and 21 to 50 dogs or cats, 35 dollars per year as of 2010. While in Amherst County the fee is $25 for every ten dogs as of 2010.
Commercial and Non-Commercial Kennels
A commercial kennel is a place to house, board, breed, handle or otherwise keep or care for dogs that can be sold or for compensation. An example would be a professional breeder that sells dogs or a boarding kennel that gets compensated for caring for dogs.
A non-commercial kennel is the same as a commercial kennel except you are not permitted to sell the dogs or receive compensation for the care of the dogs.
