Defending Our Heritage
Securing the heritage of hunting with dogs — for the next generation.
We represent Virginia hunters and dog owners at the General Assembly, with the Department of Wildlife Resources, and before local government — and we help you know the laws that affect you and your dogs.
~60,000
members and growing
190,000
Virginians who hunt with dogs — our goal is every one
What can we help you with?
The four things people come to us for most.
Look up a dog law
Code of Virginia, DWR regulations, and county ordinances in plain language.
Follow legislation
Bills we’re tracking this session and where VAHDA stands on each.
Report an incident
Dog stolen, shot, detained, or a collar removed? File a Sportsman’s Incident Report.
Legislative watch
The 2027 General Assembly convenes in January.
We track every bill that touches hunting with dogs, kennels, and animal law — and tell members when to call their legislators.
| Bill | What it does | Our position |
|---|---|---|
| [HB ####] | [One-line plain-language summary of the bill] | Support |
| [SB ####] | [One-line plain-language summary of the bill] | Oppose |
| [HB ####] | [One-line plain-language summary of the bill] | Watching |
Upcoming events
Oct
19
Lancaster County Hunter-Landowner Meeting
Oct
21
DWR Wildlife Committee Meeting
VAHDA Foundation
Shrimp Feast 2027
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Powhatan this August. Next year’s date: April 10 2027.
Where we stand up for you
VAHDA is a committee of autonomous organizations and individuals working together on education and political action for Virginia’s hunters and dog owners.
General Assembly
Lobbying legislators in support of the right to hunt with dogs.
Department of Wildlife Resources
Speaking for hunters on seasons and regulations.
Local government
Dog ordinances, kennel licenses and zoning, county hunting and gun laws.
In the courts
Expert testimony in selected hunting and dog law cases.
Ethical hunting
Promoting responsible hunting and dog ownership. Our Code of Ethics
Had a problem with your dog?
Stolen, shot, detained, tracking collar removed, picked up and hauled off, interference with legal hunting, or a false report — let us know.
$1,000 reward
For information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone who abandons a hunting dog in Virginia.
Stand with Virginia’s hunters.
Members get alerts by email and text when critical legislation or action affects your hunting dog heritage.