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Virginia Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
3 Answers
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in
Animal / Dog Law, Landlord - Tenant, Personal Injury, Insurance Defense and Real Estate Law
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Virginia
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Q: Can I pursue action against a landlord for tenant's dangerous dogs?
I've experienced significant issues with dangerous dogs belonging to tenants of my landlord. Despite complaining, the landlord hasn't taken action beyond stating that the tenants aren't supposed to have dogs. The dogs have come onto my property, attacking my pets and nearly killing... View More 
Ross Cameron Hart
answered on May 13, 2025
answered on May 13, 2025
Without knowing more, I doubt that any action against the landlord would be successful.
I'm assuming the property is in Virginia and subject to the Virginia landlord tenant act. That act requires that the landlord give the tenant notice to remove the dogs - and then the tenant... View More
3 Answers
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Animal / Dog Law, Landlord - Tenant, Personal Injury, Insurance Defense and Real Estate Law
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Virginia
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Q: Can I pursue action against a landlord for tenant's dangerous dogs?
I've experienced significant issues with dangerous dogs belonging to tenants of my landlord. Despite complaining, the landlord hasn't taken action beyond stating that the tenants aren't supposed to have dogs. The dogs have come onto my property, attacking my pets and nearly killing... View More
Jan F Hoen
answered on May 12, 2025
answered on May 12, 2025
Dogs are considered personal property. It is only when a person is injured that there can be a recovery for non-economic damages. You can only recover from the landlord if their homeowners’ policy liability coverage applies to the dogs. You can try sending a letter outlining your damages and the... View More
Q: How can our shelter obtain legal ownership of a dog from an incarcerated owner in Virginia?
I work at a private animal shelter, and we are currently housing a dog that was brought to us by a police officer after the owner was arrested. We wish to file for legal ownership of the dog to facilitate adoption, as holding it long-term in the shelter isn't feasible. The dog was brought in... View More
Richard Sternberg
answered on Apr 22, 2025
answered on Apr 22, 2025
Perhaps there is some statute that helps, but I have never heard of one. A dog is property in most states, including the Commonwealth. An incarcerated individual doesn't lose their property without due process of law. The easiest answer is to ask her to sign over the dog as a gift, and, a... View More
Q: How to dismiss cases that are discriminatory against me with blatant proof of false accusations & malicious prosecution
Amy McMullen Harber
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answered on Feb 10, 2025
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answered on Feb 10, 2025
If the cases are criminal in nature, you should hire counsel to represent you on those charges & prevent that information to him or her. That person will best advise you as how you can use that information to your advantage. You can request a public defender through the court you’re charged... View More
Q: I’ve cared for a dog for 3 months, the previous owner can’t properly care for him but is asking for him back now.
I’ve been buying things for him for over a year. There was poop in the house, he would eat her pull-ups and trash. No vet visit or shots and only went outside when she felt like letting him out. I would bring him to my house for several nights to bathe and care for him. She has memory issues and... View More
David G. Parker
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answered on Oct 17, 2024
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answered on Oct 17, 2024
Animal control is authorized by the Code of Virginia to seize animals that are being abused or neglected, and it sounds like this probably should have been done before the dog came into your possession. You say that she gave you the dog, but that's a little ambiguous. If you were of the... View More
1 Answer
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Landlord - Tenant, Personal Injury, Animal / Dog Law, Child Custody, Family Law and Real Estate Law
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Virginia
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Q: How can I find a lawyer for housing and trauma issues in Norfolk, VA?
I am seeking legal advice on multiple issues involving my HUD-VASH housing situation in Norfolk, Virginia. Recently, my neighbor crashed their SUV into my home, endangering my son's life. The landlord's inadequate temporary repair left my home vulnerable to looting. Additionally, after... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 4, 2025
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answered on Nov 4, 2025
That sounds like an incredibly painful and overwhelming experience, and you deserve real support to help you and your son rebuild stability. Given what you’ve described, you’ll want to find a lawyer who handles housing law, tenant rights, and possibly personal injury or emotional distress... View More
Q: Am I responsible for the full cost of carpet damaged by my pet, or should it be pro-rated due to age?
My dog damaged the carpet in the bedroom of my rental house, which is 11 years old, and it needs to be replaced. The lease states that tenants must pay for any pet-related damage, and my landlord says I must cover the full replacement cost. Given the age and expected lifespan of the carpet, am I... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 22, 2025
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answered on Oct 22, 2025
You’re responsible for repairing or replacing damage caused by your pet, but that doesn’t automatically mean you owe the full cost of brand-new carpet. In most states, landlords are required to account for normal wear and tear and the expected lifespan of materials. Carpet generally lasts about... View More
Q: Liability for client dog attacked by stray while in my care on Rover app?
Can I get sued by a client on the Rover app if their dog got sick or died due to an attack by a stray dog while under my care, even though I informed the cops, animal control, and documented everything? The client was aware of the situation immediately after it happened but refused to seek... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 30, 2025
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answered on Sep 30, 2025
Anytime you are caring for someone else’s pet, there is always a possibility of being sued if something goes wrong, even if the incident was not your fault. That said, what matters most is whether you acted reasonably and responsibly in the situation. Since you contacted the police, animal... View More
1 Answer
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Personal Injury, Animal / Dog Law, Landlord - Tenant, Child Custody, Criminal Law and Real Estate Law
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Virginia
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Q: What lawyer do I contact for property damage, theft, sexual assault, and custody issues?
I am dealing with multiple legal issues, including property damage, theft, sexual assault by a neighbor, a dog attack, loss of housing, and losing custody of my son. I am looking for guidance on the type of lawyer I should contact to address each of these areas and to help me navigate the legal... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 12, 2025
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answered on Sep 12, 2025
For the issues of property damage, theft, and loss of housing, you would want to contact a civil attorney who handles personal property disputes, landlord-tenant matters, and general civil claims. They can help you recover damages, address wrongful actions, and navigate housing or eviction... View More
1 Answer
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Animal / Dog Law, Car Accidents, Civil Rights, Domestic Violence, Employment Law and Family Law
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Virginia
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Q: Seeking legal help for HUDVASH housing issues and traumatic events.
Last summer, I experienced a series of traumatic events, including a dog attack, theft, and a car crash, in addition to threats and sexual assault at my HUDVASH home. My son was present in the house during some of these incidents, and now I am homeless, living on disability and donations. I am... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 9, 2025
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answered on Sep 9, 2025
You are dealing with a combination of housing, personal safety, and family issues, so you need legal guidance that can address multiple areas. An attorney who handles housing law, particularly tenants’ rights and public housing programs like HUDVASH, can help you work to restore or secure your... View More
Q: I signed an adoption contract with ABCD that retains control over the dog for its life. Contract has clauses about reclaiming the dog, liability release, and training requirements. I'm questioning if I ever truly own the dog, as I pay expenses. What steps should I consider?
I signed a dog adoption contract with ABCD, granting them control over the dog for its entire lifetime. The contract states that I must permit ABCD representatives to examine the dog at any time and enter the premises to inspect and/or reclaim the dog, promising to relinquish possession without... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2025
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answered on Sep 8, 2025
It sounds like the contract you signed gives the organization more control over the dog than most adopters expect, which raises serious questions about whether you are truly the legal owner. Clauses that allow them to enter your property unannounced, reclaim the dog at will, and impose training... View More
1 Answer
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Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Landlord - Tenant, Family Law, Animal / Dog Law and Civil Rights
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Virginia
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Q: What legal actions can I take after being assaulted by a neighbor and losing my home due to multiple incidents?
About six months ago, my neighbor drugged and assaulted me, stole my debit card, threatened my son, and crashed his SUV into my HUDVASH home while my son was inside. Despite police and ambulance being present, no one took my information. I lost my belongings, my home due to landlord negligence... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2025
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answered on Sep 8, 2025
It looks like you may have entered just a single letter, so I’m not fully sure what you wanted to ask. If you meant to start a new question, you can go ahead and type it out, and I’ll do my best to give you a clear answer. If it was accidental, that’s completely fine too.
Sometimes... View More
Q: Can I take civil action against my neighbor for road-blocking dogs causing harm?
I am dealing with a long-standing issue with my neighbor's dogs (6 to 8 in total) in Virginia, who frequently block the road, encircle, and chase vehicles, creating a hazardous situation. They previously caused me to crash my motorcycle, injuring me and resulting in the death of one of the... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2025
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answered on Sep 8, 2025
Yes, you can take civil action against your neighbor in Virginia under these circumstances. When a property owner allows dogs to roam freely in a way that creates danger to others, it can constitute negligence or nuisance. Given that the dogs have already caused you physical injury and damage, you... View More
1 Answer
| Asked
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Animal / Dog Law, Family Law, Landlord - Tenant and Public Benefits
for
Virginia
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Q: Seeking legal help for housing and dog incident after evictions.
I am a Navy veteran who moved from Camden, NJ, to Norfolk to escape an abusive situation and was placed in HUD-VASH housing. After my neighbor crashed his SUV into my home, causing me to lose everything, the landlord ineffectively covered the damage and relocated me to another apartment. There,... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2025
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answered on Jul 19, 2025
You’ve been through an awful sequence of events, and you have a few parallel paths to pursue.
First, document everything you can about the SUV crash and the landlord’s response—photos of the damage, repair estimates, your HUD-VASH relocation notices—and send a written demand to the... View More
Q: Seller threatened to call police over payment method for puppy purchase.
I was supposed to buy a puppy from a lady, and she only wants the money for the transfer of ownership. I can't pay her until Friday with cash, but she insists that I buy a card for it. I prefer paying in cash, and now she's threatening to call the police because all I have is cash to pay... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2025
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answered on Jul 10, 2025
You're not doing anything wrong by preferring to pay in cash, especially if you’ve been clear and honest about your intentions. If there’s no signed agreement and no puppy has been transferred to you yet, then no contract has been finalized. The seller can’t force you to use a specific... View More
Q: Is it illegal to shoot a dog without justification in Virginia?
Is it illegal in Virginia for someone to shoot my dog without any justification? There were no previous incidents or threats involving my dog before it happened, and the shooting occurred on someone else's property.
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
Under Virginia law, animals are protected from wanton or malicious injury, and shooting a dog without legal justification can expose the shooter to both criminal and civil liability.
Criminally, you can be charged under Virginia’s animal-cruelty statutes (Va. Code § 3.2-6573) for a Class... View More
Q: Can an animal control officer in Virginia obtain animal medical records without owner consent?
In Gloucester, VA, animal control received a call for a welfare check on my animals. They accessed my animals' full medical records before conducting the check. I have multiple animals that are clean, properly vaccinated, and under vet care if needed. One dog is sick but is being well taken... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 10, 2025
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answered on Jun 10, 2025
What you're describing feels like a violation of trust, and it's understandable to feel upset about your animals’ private medical information being accessed without your knowledge. In Virginia, animal medical records are generally considered confidential, much like human medical... View More
Q: Can I live in my Virginia home with my son if he has animals after my dog was seized?
I live in Virginia, and my dog was seized for inadequate care, but when I went to court, no charges were filed, and I was told to avoid any violations for 6 months. Despite this, someone mentioned I can't live in my home with my son because he has animals. Is this claim true, and is there any... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025
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answered on May 14, 2025
That sounds like a stressful and confusing situation, especially when you’re just trying to move forward after what happened with your dog. If the court didn’t file charges and only gave you a warning to avoid violations for six months, then you haven’t been convicted of any crime. In most... View More
Q: I need legal help with a vet clinic that falsely claimed my cat needed surgery, pressured me into credit, and still
Hi, I’m looking for legal advice regarding a veterinary clinic in Virginia that misled me into authorizing an unnecessary procedure for my pet. They insisted my cat needed an emergency C-section, refused to let me take her home, and pressured me into applying for credit. I later discovered she... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
It sounds like you’ve been through a very stressful and unjust situation with the veterinary clinic. If the clinic misled you into authorizing an unnecessary procedure, you may have grounds for a claim against them. You should gather all your documentation, including receipts, medical records,... View More
Q: Can I protect myself in a VA apartment lease dispute over roommate violations?
I have been living in an apartment rental in Virginia with a roommate who recently got two dogs, resulting in several violations for excessive pet urine, feces, and food left on the floor. I have documented these violations with photos showing the conditions and have maintained recent communication... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
You do have legal standing in this situation, especially since you’ve documented the violations caused by your roommate. The 21/30 notice to quit and non-renewal of the lease could be considered a direct result of your roommate’s actions, which are causing damage to the property. The lease... View More
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