Permitting Information
Commercial Nuisance Animal Permit (CNAP)
A Commercial Nuisance Animal Permit (CNAP) authorizes permit holders, in accordance with permit conditions and other applicable law, to capture, temporarily hold or possess, transport, release, and, when appropriate, humanely dispatch wildlife that is causing damage to property, causing refuse problems, or posing a risk to human health or safety. It also permits the removal of certain animal carcasses from private property.
Once your application has been accepted by DWR, the CNAP is valid for 3 calendar years. An initial training is required if you have not held a CNAP previously, but additional training options are available if you are renewing your permit. Please see below for more information. An annual report is due each year (January 10th), which asks for the total # of each species that have been trapped, dispatched, or taken to wildlife rehabilitation centers.
New CNAP Applicants are required to complete the Virginia Wildlife Control Training Program. This high-quality training program provides comprehensive and up-to-date information specifically developed for wildlife control operators in Virginia. This course and the required exam can can be accessed through:
- National Wildlife Control Operators Association - NWCOA® Wildlife Control Operator Training Course - Virginia Specific Course
- National Wildlife Control Training Program - Virginia CNAP Online Training and Certification Program
- Virginia Wildlife Damage Management Association - offers in-person training and testing. See the VWDMA Events Page or email govwdma@gmail.com for upcoming DWR approved course dates.
Applying for the CNAP
Once you have completed the required training(s) for the Commercial Nuisance Animal Permit, you will need to submit an application for the permit with Virginia DWR. This can be done online (preferred) or by using a mail-in application. To apply for the CNAP, you will need to apply online at https://license.gooutdoorsvirginia.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx.
If you have used the Go Outdoors site before, login to your account on the left-hand side of the page. If you have not used the site, click “Enroll Now!”. Once you have logged in, select “Make a Purchase” on the left. This will take you to a new page where you will need to find the correct permit. If you type “Commercial” in the search bar, the CNAP will show below.
Select “Add to Cart”. Then select checkout at the cart icon on the top right. This will take you to a one-page application. For the first question “New or Renewal Application”, select the appropriate response. Further down the page you can upload the certificate from the training course(s). When the form has been completed, you can submit and pay the application fee ($75). Once you apply online for the permit, it can take up to a month (but is typically faster) for the application to be reviewed and CNAP approved. If you prefer to apply using a mailed application, please contact Leah Card (Leah.Card@DWR.VA.gov) and note that paper applications will have a longer processing time than those submitted online.
Bat Conflict Management Services - as of January 1, 2025, an additional bat-specific training course and exam are required if you plan to offer bat management or exclusion services. In addition to holding a CNAP, you must complete an additional bat-specific training course and successfully pass the exam and each of the related quizzes with a minimum 80% score. Authorization provided to perform bat conflict services will be valid for five (5) calendar years, beginning with the year the training was completed. Bat training courses can be found at the following websites:
- National Wildlife Control Operators Association - NWCOA® Bat Standards Certified Course – Level 1
- National Wildlife Control Training Program - Acceptable Management Practices for Bat Management in Virginia
- Virginia Wildlife Damage Management Association - offers in-person training and testing. See event calendar or email govwdma@gmail.com for upcoming dates
Once you have completed the required training(s) the permit holder will need to email their training certificate to Leah.Card@dwr.virginia.gov and/or CollectionPermits@dwr.virginia.gov. The DWR Permits Office will then add “Bat Certified” to the current permit. When the 5 years has passed, the permit holder will need to retake one of the approved bat and send the training certificate as outlined above.
CNAP Renewal
CNAP holders must demonstrate continuing knowledge, skill, and proficiency in wildlife conflict management. The following options are available to fulfill this requirement:
- Complete the National Wildlife Control Training Program and successfully pass the online exam and each of the related quizzes with a minimum 80% score- click here to access the VA CNAP Refresher Course
- Or, provide evidence of 24 hours of attendance in DWR approved CEU training directly related to wildlife conflict management. Hours are credited based on the duration of the training (1 hour of training = 1 hour of continuing education credit) with proof of attendance (usually a certificate).
- Virginia Wildlife Damage Management Association (VWDMA) - offers in-person training each Spring and Fall that are approved by DWR for CEU credits. CNAP holders that attend at least one VWDMA in-person event a year will earn the required 24 CEU credits within the 3-year renewal period if attending in year one of holding their CNAP. See the VWDMA Events Page or email govwdma@gmail.com for upcoming DWR approved course dates.
- Additional trainings may be accepted for the continuing education requirement. If you are interested in a course and would like to check if it would be approved, please email Leah Card at least 7 days prior to the training with information on the course material and length.
- Additional DWR approved training events can be accessed through NWCOA and NWCTP.
- Or, provide evidence of certification as a wildlife control professional by a wildlife management organization recognized by DWR.
Please see the linked document for additional information and requirements related capture and removal of wildlife, wildlife conflict management methods and conditions, use of traps and check intervals, exposure and Rabies Vector species, wildlife confinement and transport, wildlife disposal and release, humane dispatch, rehabilitation, the Code of Ethics, and annual reporting requirements for commercial nuisance animals and for snakes.
Contact Leah Card, Furbearer Project Leader with any CNAP licensing questions at leah.card@dwr.virginia.gov.
VDACS Commercial Applicator or Registered Technician Certification
The CNAP permit does not authorize the permittee to use or recommend the use of pesticides or chemical repellents to control vertebrate pest animals outside of human dwellings or other structures. Certification as a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator (CA) or a Registered Technician (RT) is required to perform these duties in Virginia. Certified CAs or RTs using pesticides or chemical repellents must be certified in category 7D - Vertebrate Pest Control. These certifications are conferred by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
- To learn how to become a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator - click here.
- To learn how to become a Registered Technician who works under a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator - click here.
Questions regarding federal and state pesticide regulations and applicator certification should be directed to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by emailing: opsclrt.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov , calling: (804) 786-3798; or visiting https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesticides.shtml.
