Federal Regulations related to Wildlife Importation, Exportation and Pet Ownership

Importation/Exportation into the US Federal process and requirements for importing/exporting live wildlife into

the US:

United States Department of Agriculture (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) requires an “import” or “in transit” permit application be submitted. Animals and birds must be inspected by APHIS veterinarians and quarantined for 30 days.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service also requires an import/export permit application. No species information required unless it is “injurious wildlife”.

USFWS also requires importer to file a Declaration for Importation on a Form 3-177 at an authorized port of entry to receive clearance.

SS14.52- “Clearance by a service officer does not constitute a certificate of the legality of an importation”.

Within US transportation does not need to be declared.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- specifically regulates the importation of dogs, cats, turtles, snakes, lizards, monkeys, bats, birds, civets, and African rodents for disease concerns, but not other species.

Importation/Exportation into the US

Valid export permit from the source county. Lacey Act violation (USFWS) if any animal is taken, transported, possessed or sold

in violation of any State or foreign law.

CITES- Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species 183 Countries that participate.

35,000 species of plants and animals listed in 1 of 3 Appendices.

Appendix I- species threatened with extinction. Trade only allowed in exceptional circumstances.

Appendix II- species that are not threatened, but where trade must be controlled to avoid overutilization.

Appendix III- species that are protected in at least one country who has asked for assistance in controlling trade. (two-toed sloths from Costa Rica)

Wildlife in the United States/CO USDA requires licenses for dealers, exhibitors, and breeders only through

the Animal Welfare Act. They also have animal welfare regulations relating to the transportation of animals.

Colorado Department of Agriculture (Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act)-requires licenses for pet animal facilities only.

Some City Municipal Codes (ex. Denver and Boulder) prohibit exotic pet ownership.

CPW is the primary authority for regulating wildlife possession in the State of Colorado. 33-1-106: Authority to regulate taking, possession, and use of wildlife.

Unregulated Wildlife Once on the unregulated list, CPW no longer requires a license

for possessing that species. There is also no limit on the number of those animals that may be possessed.

These animals may be sold, bartered, traded, exchanged, propagated or purchased by any person provided that importation requirements of the Department of Agriculture, health certifications, or any other federal, state or local requirement are met.

There are no facility requirements.

It is still unlawful to intentionally release any wildlife declared to be unregulated.