First legislative session under new administration shows promise on pets in housing, local control and veterinary workforce pipeline

RICHMOND, Va. (July 16, 2026)—Today Humane World Action Fund (formerly called Humane Society Legislative Fund) released its 2026 Virginia Humane Scorecard. The scorecard grades state lawmakers on their actions during the most recent legislative session to advance animal protection.

Released by the nation’s leading political animal advocacy organization, the 2026 Virginia Scorecard provides an overview of how every state legislator voted on important animal measures. While hallmark bills crafted to expand pet-inclusive rental housing and empower localities to regulate pet stores ultimately did not pass, other pro-animal measures prohibiting premature separation of baby mammals in captivity from their mothers, connecting veterinarians to shelters, and prohibiting devocalization of dogs were all signed into law by Governor Abigail Spanberger.

"Virginia lawmakers tackled an impressive range of animal protection issues this session from wildlife protection to improving shelter access to veterinary workforce development," said Cheryl Crowe, Virginia state director for Humane World Action Fund. "While some bills didn't cross the finish line, we're encouraged that Governor Spanberger signed five important animal measures into law during her first year in office. That's significant progress on a crowded agenda, and it shows this legislature and administration are committed to animal welfare. We're determined to keep building on this momentum in the next session and renew our efforts in support of bills like the one on pet-inclusive housing that will have an immediate impact in the lives of families and animals across Virginia."

About the scorecard

The 2026 Virginia Humane Scorecard only scores bills that receive roll-call votes in the Virginia state legislature, to accurately reflect legislators’ actions. When reading the scorecard, a ✓ indicates a pro-animal action.

Most Virginia senators—24 in total—scored 86% or higher on the scorecard, with 17 senators receiving a perfect score of 100%. Additionally, the majority of the Virginia House of Delegates scored 89% or better based on their votes, with 44 members receiving a perfect score from Humane World Action Fund.

  • Pet-Inclusive Housing (HB 1415): This bill would require apartment buildings built with public funds to allow residents to keep at least one pet (no breed restrictions, up to 65 pounds), and landlords must disclose pet policies upfront. Pet-inclusive housing keeps families and their animals together and reduces the shelter surrenders that housing barriers cause. Sponsored by Del. Charlie Schmidt (D-77) and passed the House of Delegates.
  • Local Authority Over Pet-Shop Sales (HB 1238): This bill would give cities and counties in Virginia the power to regulate or ban pet shops and animal dealers. It restores local authority to curb the sale of puppy-mill-sourced animals and to set humane standards community by community. Sponsored by Del. Irene Shin (D-8) and passed the House of Delegates.
  • Diamondback Terrapin Protection (HB 1013): The bill would require the state to establish protected areas in the Chesapeake Bay where effective and affordable bycatch devices must be used on crab pots. Terrapins drown by the thousands in crab pots, so the use of inexpensive excluder devices can nearly eliminate that bycatch while helping protect the marshes on which terrapins depend. Sponsored by Del. Kathy Tran (D-18) and passed the House of Delegates.
  • Permit to Hunt with Dogs (HB 1396): This bill would require hunters to secure permits before releasing dogs to hunt across someone else’s property and sets civil penalties for any violations. Exemptions include mounted fox hunting, waterfowl and bird hunting, tracking wounded game, dogs kept in the hunter’s immediate control, and public hunting lands. Sponsored by Del. Fernando “Marty” Martinez (D-29) and passed the House of Delegates.
  • Premature Separation & Hybridization of Captive Wildlife (HB 112/SB 344): This bill bans separating baby mammals from their mothers before the age of four months (except for medical reasons) and prohibits the breeding of different wildlife species together for profit. Exemptions cover agricultural animals, accredited zoological facilities and licensed wildlife rehabilitators. The bill targets unaccredited roadside menageries that tear still-nursing infants from their mothers for public encounters and sale. Sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-38) and Del. Amy Laufer (D-55) and signed into law by Gov. Spanberger.
  • Shelter Veterinarian Licensure (HB 1287): This bill helps connect shelters with veterinarians by letting veterinarians register their willingness to work with shelters. This measure helps under-resourced shelters connect with veterinarians and expands access to animal care across the state. Sponsored by Del. Laura Jane Cohen (D-15) and signed into law by Gov. Spanberger.
  • Dog Devocalization Ban (SB 707): This bill prohibits a veterinarian from surgically removing a dog’s ability to bark except as a last resort before rehoming because of excessive barking. Devocalization is a painful procedure that silences a dog without addressing the cause of the barking. Sponsored by Sen. J.D. “Danny” Diggs (R-24) and signed into law by Gov. Spanberger.
  • Veterinary Traineeship (SB 331): This bill expands pathways for aspiring veterinarians to train under licensed veterinarians, strengthening Virginia’s veterinary workforce and improving access to animal care. Sponsored by Sen. Danica Roem (D-30) and signed into law by Gov. Spanberger.
  • Malicious Killing Penalty (SB 261): This bill would make it a felony to maliciously kill a companion dog or cat. It loses a loophole in current law that only penalizes killing if the animal belonged to the offender. Sponsored by Sen. Bill Stanley (R-7) and passed the Senate.

As the nation’s leading political advocacy organization for animal protection, Humane World Action Fund publishes state legislative and congressional scorecards to track the relevant votes, co-sponsorships and other actions of lawmakers. These scorecards highlight which lawmakers are leading on animal protection, and which ones need greater pressure to act. Explore all our scorecards online at https://humaneaction.org/humane-scorecard.

Media Contact: Liz Bartolomeo: ebartolomeo@humaneaction.org, 240-472-0475

Paid for by Humane World Action Fund and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. Humane World Action Fund, 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 455, Washington, DC 20037.