Importation of Rodents

Animals of the rodentia order include: all types of agoutis, beavers, capybaras, chinchillas, chipmunks, coypus, gerbils, gophers, groundhogs, guinea pigs, gundis, hamsters, jerboas, lemmings, maras, marmots, mice, muskrats, pacaranas, pacas, porcupines, prairie dogs, rats, springhares, squirrels, tucotucos, viscachas, and voles.)

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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency does not permit the importation of:

1. prairie dogs, gambian pouch rats, or squirrels from any country; or
2. any rodents from Africa.

Rodents, other than those identified in a) and b) above, can be imported into Canada without an import permit, health certificate, or inspection⁽¹⁾.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

It is the importer's responsibility to determine whether the species for importation is subject to the controls imposed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which are administered by the Canadian Wildlife Service. Please contact the Canadian Wildlife Service for information.

Provincial Governments

Please note that some rodents are subject to import controls imposed by provincial government departments. For example:

• Alberta - Permit required for rats
  Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation
• New Brunswick - Permit required for exotic wildlife (any bird, mammal or other vertebrate that is not indigenous to the Province and is of a species of wildlife that in its natural habitat is usually wild by nature)
  Fish and Wildlife Act

For clarification of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency import policies, please contact a local CFIA Office.

For additional information on policies pertaining to exotic pet animals, visit the web site of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada (PIJAC Canada).

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¹ Part XII of the Health of Animals Regulations applies to the transportation of all animals and an inspection related to humane transport may be conducted.

Comments or requests for additional information.