Licensing Your Dog: It's The Law

General Information
All dogs over four months of age "residing" in the Commonwealth of Virginia must be licensed in the county, city, or town in which they live. Every dog entering Fairfax County OLDAs must be licensed, even if they are from out of state. This rule is mandatory and applies to every dog, including rescue dogs (those being fostered or recently adopted). If you participate in an organized Rescue Group, please ask your coordinator for a kennel license, which should be available to you.

Important! Even though state law exempts dogs with legitimate skin irritations from wearing a license on a collar, that does not apply to the OLDA. All dogs must be collared with a current dog license attached. This is for the safety of all park guests.

Dogs under four months of age are not allowed in the OLDA, even if they have a license!

Attention Loudoun County Residents!
Despite the recent changes to your county's licensing laws, your dog MUST have a valid dog license on the collar at all times when visiting our OLDA. Until April 1, 2009 we will accept a 2008 dog license OR the new "permanent" license Loudoun County is now issuing.

Beginning April 1, 2009 Loudoun County residents must also bring proof of rabies vaccination (available from your veterinarian) if your dog is wearing a 2008 license. If your dog is wearing the new "permanent" license, you must bring the paperwork that accompanies that license showing it is valid and rabies vaccination is current. Failure to have a dog license on your dog's collar AND the appropriate paperwork will result in our Monitors turnign you away! Again - all dogs must wear a dog license on their collar.

Obtaining A License In Virginia
Before visiting the OLDA, please obtain a dog license from your local jurisdiction. We are providing information on the major jurisdictions in our area, but it is the responsiblity of each dog's owner or handler to be sure a current year dog license is purchased and secured to the dog's license prior to entering any Fairfax County OLDA!

Important - you must have proof of rabies vaccination from your veterinarian to obtain a license. Be sure to obtain that certificate before you attempt to purchase the dog license!

More Information

You can read more about Virginia's dog licensing requirements by following these links:

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+3.2-6524

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+3.2-6531

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+3.2-6526