December 22, 2025

Virginia State Veterinarians Approve Annual Special Permit for Santa’s Reindeer to Travel the Commonwealth
~ Certificate of Veterinary Inspection gives exceptional permission for the magical flying herd to travel Virginia ~

Richmond, Va. – Magical animals need magical veterinary paperwork to visit the Commonwealth of Virginia. In an annual festive tradition, Virginia’s state veterinarians have coordinated entry permits for Santa’s nine flying reindeer to move through the Commonwealth on the night of Christmas Eve.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) state veterinarian has the responsibility of regulating the movement of animals into the state, while the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is charged with the management of the state’s wildlife. Importation and possession of any members of the deer family is prohibited in Virginia without a DWR permit. To facilitate the delivery of toys to children of the Commonwealth on Christmas Eve, VDACS State Veterinarian Dr. Charlie Broaddus and DWR State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. John Tracey work together every December to issue Santa an extra special Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for his magical herd to enter Virginia.

VDACS State Veterinarian Dr. Broaddus presented the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to Santa Claus in Santa’s Village at the Illuminate Light Show at Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Va., home of the State Fair of Virginia.

“Santa’s reindeer look healthy and ready to deliver joy to children across the Commonwealth this Christmas Eve,” said Dr. Charlie Broaddus, VDACS State Veterinarian. “I appreciate Santa’s due diligence in getting his reindeer checked so that we can protect animal health and agriculture in our state. We hope Santa and the reindeer enjoy fresh Virginia milk, Virginia grown carrots, and maybe some Virginia’s Finest eggnog while they are traveling through.”

“While nothing is more exciting than a flying reindeer visit, the DWR permit required to import and possess members of the deer family within the Commonwealth is so important to protect Virginia’s wild white-tailed deer and elk herds,” said Dr. John Tracey, DWR Wildlife Veterinarian. “We thank Santa for being an excellent partner with DWR and VDACS, and we are always glad to see the care and attention he gives to the health of each and every reindeer. We are of course looking forward to this year’s visit, as always.”

Ruminants, such as deer, must bear identification and have their identification number noted on a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. Animal identification, like an ear tag issued by a state or federal entity, helps the state veterinarian to trace animals in the event of a significant animal disease outbreak. The importation of deer into the Commonwealth is typically prohibited, but special permission is granted each year for Santa’s magical reindeer.

With all the appropriate documents filed, Santa’s sleigh will have no problems entering the Commonwealth on Dec. 24. VDACS and DWR wish safe travels to the flying herd of reindeer, and a Merry Christmas to residents of the Commonwealth.

Photos and video of VDACS State Veterinarian Dr. Charlie Broaddus presenting the CVI to Santa are available for media use on the VDACS website in the flickr photo album.