New Prohibition on Keeping Red Foxes as Pets
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) has asked the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine to send out the following information: A recent VDGIF regulatory change prohibits the acquisition of new red fox pets after July 1, 2017. This prohibition was deemed necessary because of the lack of a commercially available rabies vaccine that is licensed for use in foxes and the consequent risk that pet foxes pose to the public. For a person to legally possess a pet red fox obtained prior to July 1, 2017, a declaration of such possession was to be sent in writing to VDGIF by January 1, 2018. The deadline has now been extended to June 30, 2018. The VDGIF advises all veterinarians to ascertain legal status prior to examining or treating any pet fox. To obtain a red fox declaration form click here https://dgif.virginia.gov/forms-download/PERM/Grandfathered-Foxes.pdf If you have any question regarding this issue, please contact Randy Francis, Wildlife Permits Coordinator, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, at (804) 593-2036 or [email protected]
