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Your Pets and the Law, Animal Regulation Ordinance, Fairfax County Code

Dogs over four months old must be licensed annually and vaccinated against rabies. A dog license can only be obtained after proof of inoculation by a licensed veterinarian. Dog licenses cost $5 per year for spayed/neutered animals and $10 for fertile animals. All dogs must have the license tag securely attached to a collar and it must be worn whenever the dog is off the owner’s property.

Cats are not required to be licensed, however, they also must be inoculated against rabies annually if they are over four months old. An identification tag worn on a collar is recommended.

Animals Creating Nuisance

Animals are not allowed to trespass on, destroy or damage another person’s property. They are also prohibited from frequently and habitually making loud and objectionable noises.

The owner or custodian of any dog shall be responsible for the removal of waste deposited by such dog on others’ property or public property ("pooper scooper" regulation). Please see the article below "Scoop the Poop: Just DOO It" for more information.

Nuisance animals may be reported to Animal Control at 703-830-3310, or the Police Department at 703-691-2131.

Animals are forbidden to run loose on public property or the private property of others. Animals at-large will be picked up by Animal Control officers and taken to the shelter. If your animal has been impounded, you may pick up your pet after you have shown a valid rabies certificate and a current license (if it’s a dog), and pay a $15 fee plus an $8 boarding fee for each day the pet was impounded.

The owner of any animal which has died is responsible for having the body cremated or buried. The state Highway Department is responsible for pick-up of dead animals on a State right-of-way (703-631-9611). Citizens may bring deceased pets to the Animal Shelter for disposal at no charge.

Scoop the Poop: Just DOO It!

For as long as the dog has been man’s best friend, dog waste has posed a menace to man’s nose and foot. But did you know that it is also an environmental pollutant? Pet waste is more than smelly and unsightly: it is a health risk to pets, bodies of water, and people, especially children.

Pet waste left on sidewalks, streets and grassy areas is immediately flushed into the nearest waterway when it rains. The feces go into your storm drain where it travels to your pond or creek untreated. Storm drains do not lead to wastewater treatment facilities.

Animal waste can contain harmful bacteria and viruses, rendering the water unfit for irrigation, recreation, or other uses. It also contains nutrients that will accelerate the growth of nuisance algae.

It is a Class 4 misdemeanor (up to $250 fine) to leave pet waste on public property or someone else’s private property. Residents should call Animal Control (703-830-3310) to report dog owners who habitually fail to clean-up after their dog.

Designated Dog Parks in Fairfax County, Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County requires that all dogs must be on a leash when off the property of the owner and controlled by a responsible person. This includes all areas of Franklin Farm, both private property and open spaces owned by the Foundation.

For residents who wish to let their well-mannered canines enjoy a good run or a friendly romp, please visit one of the etablished dog parks in Fairfax County. Dog parks are fenced areas where unleashed dogs can have free play. At present, there are five established dog parks. The following two are the closest facilities to Franklin Farm:

Chandon

900 Palmer Dr., Herndon

 

Baron Cameron

11300 Baron Cameron Ave., Reston

 

All of the dog parks are public/private partnerships, developed in cooperation with sponsoring organizations of pet owners. The sponsors monitor and clean up the facilities, publicize rules and regulations, and report maintenance needs to the Park Authority.

Users of off-leash dog areas do so at their own risk. Neither Fairfax County nor the Fairfax County Park Authority shall be liable for any injury or damage caused by any dog in the off-leash area.

The hours of operation of all off-leash dog areas are dawn to dusk, unless posted otherwise. For more information, visit the Park Authority’s website at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks.

The Franklin Farm Foundation - 12700 Franklin Farm Rd - Oak Hill, VA  20171
Phone:  703-620-6230     Fax:  703-620-9021     E-Mail:  foundation@franklinfarm.org
Map of Franklin Farm      Map of the foundation office at the above address

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