Animal Import Permit – Instructions
Import permits are required for imports of the following animals or business categories:
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Cervids
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Cattle, American bison, and goats from TB Modified Accredited (MA) states or MA regions in states with split TB status
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Swine that do not originate from a herd with a negative Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv) test within 90 days prior to import
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Swine that are purchased or obtained from a commingled auction, sale, or exhibition at which all swine attending the event were not tested for PRRS and PEDv within 90 days prior to the event
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Exotic ruminants
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Other exotic species, including exotics kept as pets
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Fish (visit the fish movement page for more information)
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Animals entering the state as rodeo stock (permits are not required for horses owned by individual rodeo participants)
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Wild animals
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Animals entering the state as part of a multi-species
menagerie
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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.
With the exception of the general import permit, which allows for online completion and submission, the import permit process is conducted by email or fax only. 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 (only available with the online general import permit application)
- Complete and save the fillable Word document
- Print and fill out the form
All items with an asterisk (*) are required. Incomplete forms will be returned.
When you have completed the form, send it along with the current CVI(s) for the intended movement to the Division of Animal Health by email (DATCPAnimalImports@Wisconsin.gov) or fax (608) 224-4871. 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 in the same way the application 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 weekend sales of:
- Cattle, bison, and goats from the TB Modified Accredited zone in Michigan.
- Swine that may not originate from a herd that has tested negative to PRRS and PEDv within 90 days prior to import
- Swine that may be purchased or obtained from a commingled auction, sale, or exhibition at which all swine attending the event were not tested for PRRS and PEDv within 90 days prior to the event
- 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.