What Virginia law says about licensing a boarding kennel or daycare, pets nobody picks up, and rabies. Checked November 2, 2026.
No state license
No state license yet. You must meet state care standards, give each customer a written notice in 10-point bold type before drop-off, and post a PUBLIC NOTICE sign at intake; a state work group reports by Dec. 1, 2026 on whether to create a license.
Covers kennels
A pet unclaimed 14 days after you send a letter may be sold to someone able to care for it, with your costs paid first from the sale. If no buyer is found, it may be adopted out or euthanized.
Required
Dogs 4 months and older must be vaccinated.
The work group's report may lead to a state license bill in 2027, so re-check.
Sources: Va. Code §§ 3.2-6518 to 3.2-6520 Va. Code § 3.2-6500 Va. Code § 3.2-6521 HB 2313 (2025)
Facts, not legal advice. Laws change, and your county or city may have its own kennel permit: call them before you rely on any of this.
| State | Kennel license | Pets nobody picks up | Rabies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | No state license | Covers kennels | Required |
| District of Columbia | State license | No rule found | Required |
| Kentucky | No state license | Vets only | Required |
| Maryland | No state license | Covers kennels | Required |
| North Carolina | State license | Vets only | Required |
| Tennessee | No state license | Vets only | Required |
| West Virginia | State license | Vets only | Required |
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