Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

RICHMOND
At the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Board meeting on May 24, the Board adopted a change to 4VAC15-20-50 of the Virginia Administrative Code. That change required that anyone in possession of a domesticated red fox held in captivity on July 1, may continue to possess that animal in captivity until the animal dies, but the animal may not be bred or sold without a permit from DGIF.

Furthermore, persons currently possessing domesticated red foxes without a permit from DGIF must declare such possession in writing to DGIF by Jan. 1, 2018. This written declaration must include the number of individual animals in possession and date acquired, sex of the animal, estimated age, coloration (they must have a coat color distinguishable from wild red foxes), and a photograph of each fox. The written declaration prepared by the person possessing the animal will serve as a permit for possession of the animal only; it is not transferable and must be renewed every five years.

The Department would also like to remind all owners of domesticated foxes that they only have until midnight on Dec. 31, to register their animals. After that date, all foxes (including non-registered domesticated foxes) will be designated as wildlife and therefore, illegal to possess without a permit.

Please click here to access the permit form: https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/forms-download/PERM/Grandfathered-Foxes.pdf

For more information, contact Randy Francis at 804-593-2036 or randy.francis@dgif.virginia.gov.