Wild Animals
This information is current as of April 8, 2013
IMPORTING WILD ANIMALS FROM OUTSIDE WISCONSIN
Animals classified as wild include all members of non-domesticated species, including animals born and raised in captivity. For more information, please visit the Wisconsin DNR captive wildlife web page.
To bring into Wisconsin an animal that’s of a wild or exotic species, you will need:
- Certificate of veterinary inspection
- Import permit. The import permit application process is explained here.
- If you have a menagerie that includes native wild animals, non-native waterfowl, or harmful wild animals as defined by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, you must obtain a temporary nonresident exhibit permit before you can apply for an import permit. Call 1-888-WDNRINFO (936-7463) or visit the DNR website for more information.
- Proof the animals meet vesicular stomatitis (VS) import requirements if they originate from a VS-positive region (see our vesicular stomatitis page for the specific requirements)
Harmful wild animals and native wild animals
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources may have additional importing and permitting requirements. If an animal import requires WDNR authorization under s. 169.11 (1) (c), Stats., WDATCP will not issue an import permit until the WDNR has given that authorization.
Prohibited animals
These animals may not be brought into Wisconsin:
Any of the following Africa-origin rodent species:
- Tree squirrels
- Rope squirrels
- Dormice
- Gambian giant pouched rats
- Brush-tailed porcupine
- Striped mice
MOVING WILD ANIMALS WITHIN WISCONSIN
Wisconsin does not have specific requirements for moving wild animals within the state of Wisconsin.
EXPORTING WILD ANIMALS OUT OF WISCONSIN
Wisconsin does not have specific export requirements for wild animals. Please contact the state or nation of destination to learn the import requirements.