Animal Import Permit – Instructions
Import permits are required for imports of the following animals or business categories:
- Cervids
- Cattle, American bison, and goats from TB Modified Accredited (MA) states or MA regions in states with split TB status
- Exotic ruminants
- Other exotic species, including exotics kept as pets
- Fish (visit the fish movement page for more information)
- Animals entering the state as rodeo stock (permits are not required for horses owned by individual rodeo participants)
- Wild animals
- Animals entering the state as part of a multi-species menagerie
- Animals entering the state as part of a circus
The Application Process
The import permit process results in an import permit number that gets added to and becomes part of the certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI). Veterinarians can apply for an import permit number as noted below.
The import permit process is conducted online, by email, or by fax. Regular mail is also an option as indicated on the top of the permit applications. However, this option will take longer.
To apply for an import permit, choose the appropriate import permit application form in the right-hand column on this page and do one of the following:
- Complete and submit the form online
- Complete and save the fillable Word document
- Print and fill out the form
- Fax to (608) 224-4871
- Include the current CVI(s) for the intended movement
All items with an asterisk (*) are required. Incomplete forms will be returned.
Permit applications are processed Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no fee for an import permit (except for some fish permits).
If everything is in order, a permit number will be returned by email or fax depending on how it was submitted. Be sure to write your permit number on your CVI(s). Import permits are good for 30 days from the date they are issued, so they can be applied for in advance of the shipment date.
It is essential to plan ahead and allow time for processing. Permits are usually issued the same work day they are received, but the process may take longer during busy seasons or if the submitted paperwork is not complete. Also, permits are not issued after business hours, on weekends, or holidays.
Plan ahead for weekend sales. Because Wisconsin does not issue import permits after business hours or on weekends, organizers of weekend sales where permits are required may need to obtain a blanket permit number in advance of the sale.
Blanket permits would be used primarily for out of state weekend sales of:
- Cattle, bison, and goats from the TB Modified Accredited zone in Michigan.
- It might be applicable in other circumstances (sales of exotics, wild raptor imports, etc.)
In the above situations, WI importers, sale organizers, or their veterinarians can obtain a blanket import permit in advance of the sale. Blanket permits are not used for routine imports.