Our Community in Fairfax County, Virginia

Ever step on a dog poop on your lawn and you don’t even own a dog?  Dog feces are more than just a smelly nuisance—they can pose a serious health hazard.  Failure to properly dispose of your pet’s waste is not only a health hazard, it’s against the law.

Pet waste can contain bacteria and parasites which are dangerous to us all.  A number of common parasites, including roundworm, are transmitted by dog feces.  When infected dog droppings are left on the ground, the eggs of the roundworms and other parasites can linger in the soil.  Anyone who then comes in contact with the soil also comes in contact with the eggs.  Flies and other insects also can increase when dog waste is disposed of improperly, becoming a nuisance and adding another means for disease transmission.

Please be considerate of your neighbors when walking your dog by picking up after your pet.  It is as simple as carrying a plastic bag along with you on your walk.  Here is some information from Fairfax County's website regarding the law on pets in our area:

Animals Creating Nuisance / Animal Waste (Scooping)
It is against the law to allow animals to trespass on, destroy or damage another person's property.  Animals must not frequently and habitually make loud and objectionable noises or be kept in such a manner as to cause unsanitary conditions.

County Code concerning dog poop, pet waste: The owner or custodian of any dog shall be responsible for the removal of excreta deposited by such dog on the property of another, including public areas ("pooper scooper" regulation).  (County Code Section 41-1-2, Section 108-5-2 and Section 41-2-6)

Pet owners who violate the County's "pooper scooper" regulation may incur fines of up to $250.  Residents may report violations of these regulations to the Fairfax County Police Department's Animal Services Division at 703-691-2131.

Animals Running Loose
It is against the law to allow animals to run at large on public property or the private property of others.  Dogs must be restrained by a dependable leash and controlled by a responsible person when off the owner's property.  (County Code Section 41-2-4)

If you would like more information on Fairfax County Pet Laws go to: http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/ps/ac/legal.htm#legal7

The following information is taken from the Fairfax County "Pet Scoop" information flyer:

• Dog owners must pick up waste deposited by their pets on others' property or public property -- the "pooper scooper" regulation.


• Pet owners must have all dogs and cats four months of age or older vaccinated against rabies.


• Dog owners must annually purchase County dog licenses for all dogs four months of age or older. They can be purchased, at any time after the animal has received its first rabies inoculation, at the Animal Shelter and at all area governmental centers. The cost for Fairfax County residents is $10 for fertile dogs and $5 for infertile dogs.


• The County authorized the Department of Animal Control to pick up animals other than dogs that are running at large if they are creating a public nuisance or threatening public safety or health. Dogs are prohibited from running unrestricted at all times.


• Owners must register dogs found by a court to be dangerous

Citizens may report infractions of these regulations to the Department of Animal Control at 830-3310, Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.