Virginia Law

Primary conveyances used in transporting companion animals shall meet the following provisions:

1. The cargo space of primary conveyances used in transporting companion animals shall be constructed to protect their health and ensure their safety and comfort;

2. The cargo space shall be constructed and maintained in a manner to prevent the ingress of engine exhaust fumes and gases from the primary conveyance during transport;

3. The cargo space shall have a supply of air sufficient for normal breathing for each animal contained therein, and the primary enclosure shall be positioned in such a manner that each animal has access to sufficient air for normal breathing;

4. Temperatures in vehicles operated by cities, counties, animal control officers, or humane societies and carrying only dogs and cats over six months of age shall not exceed 85°F without supplemental ventilation nor fall below 45°F without auxiliary heat for more than two hours; those same vehicles carrying kittens and puppies shall not exceed 85°F without supplemental ventilation nor fall below 45°F without auxiliary heat for more than one hour, provided that suitable bedding is provided for these young animals in that primary enclosure, except that in cases of unforeseen problems (such as vehicle failure or a call to pick up an injured animal), the transport time may be extended, only to reasonably necessary lengths;

5. Primary enclosures containing companion animals shall be positioned in the primary conveyance in such a manner that in an emergency the animals can be removed;

6. The interior of the animal cargo space shall be kept clean;

7. Companion animals shall not be transported with any material, substance, or device in such a way that can injure their health or well-being;

8. Vehicles used by pounds, cities, counties, humane societies and animal control officers to carry companion animals shall be enclosed, including but not limited to, vans, station wagons, and pick-up trucks equipped with camper shells; so that:

a. All sides and top are covered;

b. Adequate ventilation is assured by the use of screens or ventilation systems;

c. The vehicle is insulated to provide protection from weather extremes or has an automatic heating/cooling system;

9. Vehicles used by cities, counties, animal control officers, and humane societies to transport animals in the course of animal control duties shall be identified on the outside as to jurisdiction;

10. Vehicles used by cities and counties, animal control officers and humane societies to transport animals in the course of animal control duties shall be equipped with safety equipment which shall include:

a. A working flashlight;

b. A pair of safety gloves;

c. Proper restraint equipment for the species transported;

d. A first aid kit;

e. At least one gallon of potable water; and

f. A blanket.