Any reptile laws in Virginia??

[yetimama]

I might be considering moving to Virginia and was wondering if there were any laws against owning reptiles in the state.
thanks

[Stormyva]

What part of Va are you considering?

[John_White]

As far as state laws go....without the proper permits you can not keep any state listed threatened or endangered species, crocodilians, African clawed frogs, cane toads. Some counties forbid the possession of venomous and/or dangerous animals. Cities, towns, home owner associations can all dictate their own set of rules. If you provide the county in VA I can give you more specific information.

The Virginia Herpetological Society - http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/VHS/

[Shuba]

There are places you can check for state laws concerning venomous and indangered species. Actualy ALOT of states forbid the owning of any venomous snake. Most reptiles should be fine though as long as there not indangered like John_White said

[yetimama]

probably the fairfax couny/alexandria area.
i was just planning on keeping my balls, and some other normal snakes.
Another question...we will probalby end up renting a townhome/apt, what would be the best way of asking about if these animals are allowed or should I just let the tennent in on the cats and dogs I have and hope they never find out about the herps???

[John_White]

Fairfax is one of the counties with fairly strict animal laws, but ball pythons and other non-venomous snakes should be fine. Before you rent ask for and read the bylaws of the townhouse or apt. association. I would suggest that you not advertise that you're keeping snakes.

Best of luck!

[Shuba]

I would suggest that you not advertise that you're keeping snakes.

Very good idea =)

[KuhnDog]

John's right... as far as Northern VA goes, fairfax is the most strict. I'm basically right between fairfax and alexandria. Most of the pet stores will have a sign saying "not permitted in fairfax county" (if applicable)... the only thing I've seen that on that's sold in the area has been tarantulas though.

I have to agree.... don't advertise. By signing my lease, I agreed to "No dogs or cats", my landlord was surprised when he found out I have a snake, but it's not a dog or cat. If I had asked him about a snake, he could've said no and insert that into the lease, and I woulda been outta luck.

[yetimama]

Thanks for the info KuhnDog. Thats about the area I would be looking at. Are there any good pet stores around there for like feeders and so forth.?? So balls, small pythons, small boas and colubrids would be ok to have up there??
Also I should just keep it to myself that I have the reptiles and just tell them about the cats and dog.