Virginia Law

Companion animals subject to this chapter shall be transported in a primary enclosure that shall be constructed in such a manner that:

1. The structural strength of the enclosure is sufficient to contain the animals and to withstand the normal rigors of transporting;

2. The interior of the enclosure is free from any protrusions that could be injurious to the animal contained therein;

3. The openings of such enclosures are easily accessible at all times for emergency removal of the animal;

4. Apertures are sufficient to provide for proper ventilation and normal breathing;

5. Projecting rims or other devices are on those faces of the outside walls that contain ventilation openings to prevent obstruction of those openings and to provide a minimum air circulation space of 0.75 inches between the primary enclosure and any adjacent cargo or conveyance wall, except that when a primary enclosure is permanently affixed within the animal cargo space of the primary conveyance and the front opening is the only source of ventilation this opening shall:

a. Be constructed so as to open directly to the outside or to an unobstructed aisle or passageway within the primary conveyance:

b. Be at least 90% of the total surface area of the front wall of the primary enclosure; and

c. Be covered with bars, wire mesh, or smooth expanded metal;

6. Portable primary enclosures shall be equipped with adequate handholds on the exterior of the primary enclosure, placed in such a manner that the portable primary enclosure can be lifted and handled without tilting and so that the person handling the portable primary enclosure will not be in contact with the animal;

7. Be large enough to ensure that each animal contained therein has sufficient space to turn about freely in a standing position using normal body movements, to stand and sit erect, and to lie in a natural position; however, certain species may be restricted in their movements according to professionally acceptable standards when such freedom of movement would constitute a danger to the animals, their handlers, or other persons;

8. Have solid bottoms to prevent leakage in shipment;

9. Contain clean litter of a suitable absorbent material that is safe and nontoxic to the animals, and in sufficient quantity to absorb or cover excreta;

10. Be clearly marked on top and on one or more sides with the words "Live Animal" or "Wild Animal," whichever is appropriate, in letters not less than 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in height, and with arrows or other markings to indicate the correct upright position of the containers, except that this shall not apply to primary conveyances which are used as primary enclosures, or to primary enclosures which are permanently affixed within the primary conveyance;

11. Be cleaned and sanitized after each use; and

12. Contain only companion animals:

a. Of the same species, with the exception that some closely related species may travel together, according to professionally accepted standards;

b. In compatible groups;

c. In groups that separate the young from adults other than their dams, except for hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits; and

d. Separated to prevent females in estrus from contact with adult males, except for hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits.