As of July 1, 2020, Section 3.2-6500 of the Code of Virginia will be updated related to outdoor tethering of animals and adequate shelter for animals.
According to the law, outdoor tethering of an animal does not constitute adequate shelter. An adequate shelter is defined as providing access to a shelter that is suitable for the "species, age, condition, size, and type" of each pet. The updated law states if an animal is tethered outside, then they must have access to adequate shelter under specific guidelines to include (but not limited to): an outdoor temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher; an outdoor temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower; and/or a severe weather warning by the National Weather Service.
View the updated law.