Household and Exotic Pets
This information is current as of April 3, 2013
IMPORTING PETS FROM OUTSIDE WISCONSIN
Importing Household Pets
A "household pet" is an animal from a traditional companion animal species: dog, domestic cat, ferret, pet bird, rabbit, or domestic rodent (gerbil, guinea pig, hamster, or domestic mouse or rat). All other animals kept as pets, including dog hybrids and domestic cat hybrids, are either considered livestock or exotic pets.
Required:
- Certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) with physical destination address
- Current rabies vaccination for dogs and domestic housecats five months and older with date of vaccination and revaccination due date written on the CVI
Not required:
- Testing or other statements on the CVI
- Import permit number
A CVI is required for animals entering Wisconsin by any mode of transportation - automobile, airplane, rail, etc.
Wisconsin accepts both one-year and three-year rabies vaccines, which must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. If you have questions, call 608-224-4874 weekdays between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
For ferrets, pet birds, rabbits, or common rodents (guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, etc.), there are no tests or statements required.
For household pets being brought into Wisconsin from outside the United States, please contact the Wisconsin office of the USDA at 608-662-0600 or visit the USDA website. Wisconsin does not have additional requirements to those listed above as long as the animals meet the USDA import requirements.
Importing Exotic Pets
An "exotic pet" is any companion animal other than a dog, domestic housecat, ferret, pet bird, rabbit, or domestic rodent (gerbil, guinea pig, hamster, or domestic mouse or rat).
Required:
- Certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) with physical destination address
- Official individual ID
- Import permit number
Not required:
- Testing or vaccinations for most exotic pet species, such as monkeys, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, reptiles, amphibians, etc.
Please Note: Some animal species that have been kept as pets may not be imported into Wisconsin because they are known carriers of highly contagious diseases. They are North American prairie dogs and the following African-origin species: tree squirrels, rope squirrels, dormice, Gambian giant pouched rats, brush-tailed porcupines, and striped mice.
For all other species, it is not determined on the state level if it is legal to own a particular animal species. WDATCP strongly encourages you to contact your local government officials (county, township, and municipality) to determine their regulations on animal ownership.
In addition, some animals may need permits from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Please visit the WDNR website for more information.
To get an import permit number:
When the application is complete, a permit number will be faxed or emailed back to you. Be sure to write the permit number on the CVI.
Importing Livestock and Wild Birds
Poultry: Backyard flocks and pet poultry are classified as livestock and must meet poultry and game bird import requirements.
Swine: Pet pigs, including Vietnamese potbelly pigs, miniature pigs, "micro" or "teacup" pigs, are classified as livestock and must meet swine import requirements.
Raptors and other wild bird species: For import requirements on raptors and other wild species, review the wild animals category.
MOVING PETS WITHIN WISCONSIN
Wisconsin does not have specific testing or paperwork requirements for moving pet animals within the state. For pet pigs, please visit the swine movement page. For pet or backyard poultry or game birds, please see the poultry and game bird movement page.
EXPORTING PETS OUT OF WISCONSIN
Wisconsin does not have specific export requirements for pets. Please contact the state or nation of destination to learn the import requirements.
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