Bring a Pet Rodent into the United States

Last Modified: March 26, 2024
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APHIS Veterinary Services does not have any animal health requirements related to bringing (importing) a pet rodent into the United States from a foreign country. See below to view other requirements for bringing pet rodents into the United States from another country.

Other Federal Agency Requirements

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention prohibits the import of any rodent of African origin. This includes any rodents that were caught in Africa and then shipped directly to the United States or those shipped to other countries before being imported to the United States. The ban also applies to rodents whose native habitat is in Africa, even if those rodents were born elsewhere.

Check with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as it may also have regulations related to importing a rodent into the United States.

U.S. State and Territory Requirements

Domestic movement requirements are set by the receiving State or Territory.

Visit the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture to find your destination's agriculture department and check its website for requirements.

For questions or clarification on any of the requirements, contact the State or Territorial veterinarian's office.