Virginia § 3.2-6511.1 - Pet shops; procurement of dogs; penalty
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 3.2-6511.1 — Pet shops; procurement of dogs; penalty, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3.2-6511.1. Pet shops; procurement of dogs; penalty
A. A pet shop shall sell or offer for adoption a dog procured only from a humane society; a private or public animal shelter as those terms are defined in § 3.2-6500; or a person who has not received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pursuant to enforcement of the federal Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. § 2131 et seq.) or regulations adopted thereunder, (i) a citation for a direct or critical violation or citations for three or more indirect or noncritical violations for at least two years prior to the procurement of the dog or (ii) two consecutive citations for no access to the facility prior to the procurement of the dog and who has not knowingly obtained the dog directly or indirectly from a person with such citations.
B. It is unlawful for any dealer or commercial dog breeder who is not licensed or exempted from licensure by the U.S. Department of Agriculture pursuant to the federal Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. § 2131 et seq.) or regulations adopted thereunder to sell any dog to a pet shop.
C. A pet shop shall retain records verifying compliance with this section for a minimum of two years after the disposition of any dog.
D. No person shall serve as an owner, director, officer, manager, operator, member of staff, or animal caregiver of a pet shop if such person has been convicted of a violation of § 3.2-6570.
E. Prior to selling or giving for adoption any dog, a pet shop shall obtain a signed statement from the purchaser or adopter specifying that such person has never been convicted of a violation of § 3.2-6570.
F. A pet shop, upon taking custody of any dog, or any representative of a pet shop upon taking custody of any dog on behalf of the pet shop, shall immediately make a record of the matter in accordance with § 3.2-6513.1.
G. Any person violating any provision of subsection A, B, C, or E is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor for each dog sold or offered for sale. Any person violating any provision of subsection D is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
2008, c. 852, § 3.1-796.71:1; 2015, c. 679; 2017, c. 399; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 339; 2025, c. 610.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 3.2-6511.1
What does Code of Virginia § 3.2-6511.1 cover?
Section 3.2-6511.1 ("Pet shops; procurement of dogs; penalty") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 3.2-6511.1?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 3.2-6511.1" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 3.2-6511.1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.