about us site index sitemap contacts home
   logo wisconsin.gov     wi agency directory    wi subject directory 
Animal Welfare and Disease Consumer Protection Environmental Protection Farming & Agriculture Food Safety & Processing Insects & Pesticides Marketing Wisconsin Trade Practices
Home  >  Import Requirements for Animals

IMPORTING ANIMALS INTO WISCONSIN
These are requirements for bringing animals into Wisconsin, not for movement within Wisconsin or for taking animals from Wisconsin to another state or nation.  Requirements are always set by the state or nation that is the destination, not the starting point.  Check other states’ requirements or other nations’ requirements.

Note that if you are bringing animals from other nations, the federal government may have additional regulations.  For information, call 608-270-4000.

In general, all animals brought into Wisconsin need a certificate of veterinary inspection, meaning that a veterinarian has actually examined the animals and found them to be apparently healthy.  In some cases, the veterinarian must also attest that animals have not been exposed to disease or provide proof of negative tests or vaccinations for certain diseases. This applies not only to livestock, but to pets brought in personal vehicles and to animals ordered over the Internet or from other sources and arriving via mail or delivery service.

Some animals may also require an import permit.  You can request a permit application form by calling 608-224-4874 weekdays between 7:45 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Central Time or download the online permit application form.

There are some animals that may not be imported into Wisconsin.  These include prairie dogs, tree squirrels, rope squirrels, dormice, Gambian giant pouched rats, brush-tailed porcupines, and striped mice.

For information about the requirements for individual species:

Cattle and bison Exotic ruminants
Horses and other equines Fish
Swine (including potbellied pigs) Companion Animals
Sheep and goats Wild animals and exotic pets
Poultry and game birds Circuses, rodeos and menageries
Deer, elk and other cervids Fairs, shows and other special events
Llamas and alpacas  

 

 

 

 



wisconsin.gov

Get Adobe Reader

 

footer navigation
Farmers Education & Teachers Veterinarians Consumers Business Owners Legal NoticesPrivacy NoticeAcceptable Use Policy
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, PO Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.