The mission of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is to protect wildlife and plant resources. Through the enforcement of Federal laws, they contribute to efforts to recover endangered species, conserve migratory birds, preserve wildlife habitat, safeguard fisheries, combat invasive species, and promote international wildlife conservation.
Wildlife is considered, any living or dead wild animal, its parts, and products made from it. Wildlife not only includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, but also invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, arthropods, molluscs and coelenterates. In most cases, you must be licensed with USFWS and pay user fees for each shipment. Certain domesticated animals, such as dogs and cats, are exempt provided they did not originally come from the wild.
Generally, shipments of wildlife must be imported through one of the FWS designated ports. Be aware that shipments of certain species (such as those listed as endangered and threatened species, migratory birds, marine mammals, or injurious species) may not transit the United States. It is very important to use an experienced Customs Broker to help guide you through the process.
