VIRGINIA

Virginia Statutes; Code of Virginia, Chapter 8,
Article 3, Sections 63.1-171.1 through 63.1-171.8

Virginia statutory law guarantees a blind person the
legal right to be accompanied by a dog guide in all
public accommodations and on all public
transportation.  A dog guide user is also guaranteed
equal housing accommodation, but the landlord is not
required to modify the property or provide a higher
standard of care than that provided other tenants.  No
extra charge can be levied because of a dog guide's
presence, but the dog guide user is liable for any
damage the dog might cause to the premises.  Dog
guides are exempt from licensing fees.  Also, it is
the policy of the State of Virginia to endorse equal
employment opportunity to blind persons in its state
service, the service of its political subdivisions and
public schools, and in employment supported in whole
or in part by public funds, except when the visual
disability prevents performance of the work involved.

Public accommodations include hotels, stores,
restaurants, places of resort and amusement, and any
other place to which the general public is invited. 
(*63.1-171.2)

Public transportation includes airplanes, boats,
trains, buses, taxis, common carriers, and all other
modes of conveyance offered for public use.  (*63.1-
171.2)

Housing accommodations include any real property or
portion thereof designed or used as a home, residence,
or sleeping place offered for rent, lease or
compensation, except for a single-family dwelling, the
occupants of which offer no more than one room for
rent.  (*63.1-171.7)

Violation: Any person, firm, corporation or agent
thereof who interferes with the above enumerated
rights is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.  The above
rights are also enforceable through injunctive relief. 
(*63.1-1-171.4)