Dog Licenses

All dogs 4 months old or older in King William County must be licensed annually. These licenses must be purchased from the County Treasurer’s Office by February 1 of each year. If a dog shall become four months of age or come into the possession of any county resident by November 1 of any year, the owner must pay the license fee for the current calendar year.

Dog licenses will not be issued by the Treasurer’s Office unless proof of vaccination by a licensed veterinarian is presented. Kennels (with 5 or more dogs) must come to the County Administration Building and go through the Planning and Zoning Department to get kennel tags.

The dog license consists of a license receipt and a metal license tag. Dogs must display the license tag on a collar, along with a rabies tag. See County Code, Chapter 10 for more details.

Purchasing

Licenses can be purchased at:

  • Regional Animal Shelter
  • King William Treasurer’s Office
  • Town Hall, West Point

Costs

  • Individual Dog: $10
  • Kennel (Up to 20 dogs): $35

Forms

  1. Dog License Registration Form.2025

PRIVATE Kennels 

(defined as A LOCATION FOR THE Keeping of 5 or More Dogs ALL owned & LICENSED by a single owner and kept on the same property)

Private kennels are permitted by right in the A-C (Agriculture-Conservation) and the R-R (Rural Residential) Zoning Districts provided the following ordinance requirements are met (to verify compliance, a Zoning Permit must be approved): 

(1)     Provide a setback of at least 100 feet from the property lines;

(2)     Provide a setback of at least 200 feet from any residence not on the associated parcel;

(3)     Provide screening that is approved by the zoning administrator that visually blocks the front and closest side property lines.

(4)     Kennels to be located behind the primary residence.

Private kennels are only permitted with a Conditional Use Permit in the R-1 (Suburban Residential) Zoning District.  The CUP process consists of 2 public hearings - one in front of the Planning Commission and one before the Board of Supervisors.

commercial kennels 

(defined as a location where raising, grooming, caring for or boarding of dogs cats or other small animals for commercial purposes is conducted)

Commercial kennels are permitted by right in the I (Industrial) Zoning District.  With approval of a Conditional Use Permit, Commercial Kennels may be permitted in the A-C (Agricultural-Conservation), B-1 (Neighborhood Business) and B-2 (General Business) Zoning Districts.  The CUP process consists of 2 public hearings - one in front of the Planning Commission and one before the Board of Supervisors.  If approved, the following ordinance requirements would apply:

(1)     Setback 100 feet from the property lines;

(2)     Setback 200 feet from any residence not on the associated parcel;

(3)     Provide screening that is approved by the zoning administrator that visually blocks the front and closest side property lines.

Hunt CAMP (club)

(DEFINED AS AN area of a property devoted to the temporary, seasonal use for a camp dedicated for hunting.  A hunt camp may include facilities such as private kennels or pens)

Hunt Camps are only allowed in the A-C (Agricultural-Conservation) Zoning District. Pens or kennels must be at least 200 feet away from any property line.