2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25103312D

HOUSE BILL NO. 2313

Offered January 13, 2025

Prefiled January 8, 2025

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 3.2-6519.1, relating to State Veterinarian; localities; boarding establishments; annual inspections.

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Patrons—Lopez, Clark and Bennett-Parker

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Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 3.2-6519.1 as follows:

§ 3.2-6519.1. Annual inspections of boarding establishments.

A. The State Veterinarian or his assistant shall annually conduct at least one unannounced drop-in inspection of each boarding establishment. Such inspection may include (i) the inspection of the books and records of such boarding establishment, (ii) the inspection of any companion animal boarded at such boarding establishment, and (iii) the inspection of any place where companion animals are kept. In conducting the inspection, the State Veterinarian or his assistant may enter any premises where companion animals may be kept during daytime hours.

B. A locality may, by ordinance, require annual inspections of boarding establishments by an inspector that the locality designates, provided that such inspections are conducted in a manner consistent with the provisions of subsection A.

C. Any boarding establishment that is the subject of an inspection by the State Veterinarian, his assistant, or an inspector designated by a locality shall, upon request, provide assistance to the State Veterinarian, his assistant, or the inspector designated by the locality in making any inspection authorized by this section.