Wild Animal Importation

Click here to view a letter from the Veterinary Public Health Section, California Department of Public Health, on the importation of wild animals into California. VPHS can be contacted at VetPH@cdph.ca.gov or 916-552-9740 with any questions or concerns.

Importers of specified nonhuman primates, carnivores, and bats into California are required to obtain a wild animal importation permit from the Veterinary Public Health Section (VPHS) prior to entry under authority of California Health and Safety Code sections 121775-121870 and California Code of Regulations, Title 17, sections 30070-30086. Additional restricted species permits may also be required by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Imported animals are mandated to be quarantined in approved facilities and be tested for certain infectious diseases prior to release of quarantine. Please refer to the wild animal importation laws and regulations for information about which animals require an imporation permit and about the quarantine facility requirements.

For detailed information about the permit process, please click on the appropriate category below:

                    Family Felidae:  Gato Andina, Geoffroy's Cat, Jaguar, Jaguarundi, Kodkod, Little
                         Spotted Cat, Margay, Ocelot, Pampas Cat. All other members of this family are
                         admissible without permit from CDPH-VPHS.

                    Family Musteldae:  Striped Skunk, Spotted Skunk. All other members of this  
                         family are admissible without permit from CDPH-VPHS.

                    Family Procyinidae:  Raccoon, Ring-Tailed Cat. All other members of this 
                         family are admissible without permit from CDPH-VPHS.