FAQs • Chesapeake, VA • CivicEngage

What is the definition of a kennel or cattery?: A kennel or cattery is any place used for the breeding, boarding or keeping of five or more dogs (kennel) or five or more cats (cattery), according to City Zoning Ordinance 3-403.

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Dog & Cat Licenses

1. What paperwork is needed to purchase an animal license?: A valid veterinarian certificate showing the rabies tag number and expiration date is required. When applicable, please also include documentation showing that the animal is spayed or neutered.

2. Will I be fined for not purchasing a license?: Yes, the fine for "Failure to Obtain a License" is $25, plus any court costs. If a license has been purchased but the dog / cat is not wearing it, there is a $10 "Failure to Display" fine, plus any court costs.

3. Do puppies and kittens need a license?: Dogs or cats that are four (4) months old or older are required to have a license.

4. Does my service animal need a license?: Yes, the animal needs a license, but there is no charge for a dog that is trained to assist a visually or hearing-impaired person. (A “hearing dog” is a dog that is trained to alert its owner by touch to sounds of danger and those sounds to which the owner should respond.)

5. What is the deadline for purchasing a license?: December 31st of each year.

6. How long is the license valid?: The license is valid for one calendar year (January through December). Animal licenses are purchased annually and expire December 31st of each year.

Yes, if you do not notify the City of Chesapeake, an automatic renewal will be sent to the address on file. You may notify the City of Chesapeake by email or by calling 757-382-6281 or by visiting any of our four branch locations in Chesapeake.

If you email our office, please provide the following:

9. If my licensed dog or cat moves, do I need to notify the City of Chesapeake?: Yes, if you do not notify the City of Chesapeake, an automatic renewal will be sent to the last known address and may delay your renewal. You may notify the City of Chesapeake by email or by calling 757-382-6281 or by visiting any of our four branch locations in Chesapeake.

10. What is the definition of a kennel or cattery?: A kennel or cattery is any place used for the breeding, boarding or keeping of five or more dogs (kennel) or five or more cats (cattery), according to City Zoning Ordinance 3-403.

11. What are the qualifications for a kennel?: Please contact the Department of Development & Permits for zoning requirements and qualifications.

12. What is a Dangerous Animal License?: You need a Dangerous Animal License if your dog has bitten, attacked or inflicted injury upon a person (or companion animal) and the courts have declared it a dangerous animal. This license is $50 per year (in addition to any required dog or kennel license) until the dog is no longer alive.

13. What are the responsibilities of my veterinarian?: According to Section 3.2-6529 of the Code of Virginia, veterinarians are required to forward within 45 days a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate or the relevant information contained in such certificate to the treasurer of the locality where the vaccination occurs. The treasurer must forward the vaccination information of an animal residing in another locality to the local treasurer for that locality. After review of the veterinarian reports, if it is determined that the vaccinated dog has not been licensed, the treasurer shall send an application to the owner and request the owner to submit a completed application and pay the appropriate fee.