Rules & Regulations
Community Canine Areas (CCA), which are specific posted areas within a few County parks, require visitors abide by these rules and regulations. Please note that pets are not allowed on designated athletic fields at any time.
- All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated before entering the CCA.
- No dogs less than four months old are permitted in a CCA.
- Female dogs in heat are not allowed in a CCA at any time.
- No food is allowed within the boundaries of a CCA.
- A handler/guardian may bring in no more than three dogs at a time.
- Professional dog trainers may not use any CCA to conduct business, unless sponsored by Arlington County.
- Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the CCA.
- Handlers/guardians must be in possession of their dog’s leash at all times.
- Handlers/guardians must remain with their dog and be in view of their dog at all times.
- Handlers/guardians are responsible for the removing dog waste from the CCA and disposing of it in a proper receptacle.
- Dogs must be removed at the first sign of aggression. Aggressive dogs shall not be permitted within any designated off-leash CCA. An “aggressive dog” is defined as a dog that poses a threat to humans or other animals. Handlers/guardians are legally responsible for their dog and any injury caused by them.
- Handlers/guardians must not allow their dogs to bark on a continuous or frequent basis. It is unlawful for any person who owns, possesses or harbors a dog to permit that dog to create a frequent or continued noise disturbance across a real property boundary or within a nearby dwelling unit. (County Code)
- Handlers/guardians, prior to leaving the CCA, must fill holes dug by their dog.
- Dog grooming is not allowed in any CCA, unless it is part of an Arlington County sponsored program.
- Parents must be in control of their children at all times in a CCA.
- Violations of the leash law, pooper-scooper law and running-at-large law can result in a summons to appear in court and a fine of $100.
- Both rabies vaccination tags and County Dog License tags are required to be secured on your dog’s collar at all times. Find out how to get a license for your dog.
Any animal violations or animal bites should be reported immediately to the Department of Animal Control located at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington at 703-931-9241 or 2650 South Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington, VA 22206.
Thinking of training? Dog and puppy obedience classes are frequently offered through the Enjoy Arlington! Class Catalog.
Dog Licenses
Notice: The Arlington County Code prohibits more than three dogs per household, unless approved by the zoning administrator and a kennel license has been obtained.
If your dog is more than four months old, it must be vaccinated against rabies and be licensed with the County. This is required by Virginia Law and the Code of Arlington County. Service dogs are not required to obtain an Arlington County dog license.
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington sponsors a rabies clinic at:
Animal Welfare League of Arlington
2650 South Arlington Mill Drive
Arlington, VA 22206
(703) 931-9241
License applications may be obtained at the shelter, all Arlington veterinarians, or by calling the Treasurer’s Office at 703-228-3080. You may print and complete a license application.
When you submit the license application, please enclose a copy of a valid rabies certificate and a check covering the cost of a dog tag. The Treasurer’s Office will mail the tag to you.
Office of the Treasurer
2100 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 201
Arlington, Virginia 22201
703-228-4000
Treasurer (at) arlingtonva.us
Hours of Operation: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday
