Bringing Pet Birds (Non-Poultry), Reptiles, Amphibians, and Other Small Mammals to Alaska

Bringing Exotic Animals to Alaska

Including birds (non-poultry), reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals.

macaw, parakeets, and falcon

Notice:

Due to the ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) disease outbreak in both wild and domestic birds, import requirements may change frequently and with little notice. Be sure to check with the appropriate authorities frequently when planning the transportation of poultry and birds.

Notice:

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2) affects wild and domestic rabbits and hares. It was first seen in the U.S. in 2018 and has since spread to numerous states across the country. Alaska has not had any known detections of RHDV2. Due to the highly contagious nature of this virus, it is imperative veterinarians examining rabbits for import be certain there was no known exposure prior to issuing a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).

The requirements below apply for importing an exotic, wild, or pet birds to Alaska. Different requirements apply to poultry. Poultry is defined as domesticated fowl, including chickens, turkeys, waterfowl, doves, pigeons, and game birds that are kept for the production of food or feathers, for sport, or for exhibition. This DOES include pet chickens. If you plan to import any poultry, please see the Poultry Import Webpage.

A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), or animal health certificate, issued by a licensed and accredited veterinarian within 30 days of import.
An import permit is not required from the Alaska Office of the State Veterinarian (OSV) for birds (non-poultry), reptiles, amphibians, or small mammals. However, some exotic animal species may require a permit from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG).
Some communities and local governments in Alaska have additional health or pet licensing requirements. Be sure to check with the borough, city, or village you are intending on traveling to, or residing in, for their requirements. For instance, it is illegal to import, buy, sell, or breed rats in the Municipality of Anchorage.

Traveling by Air

Some airlines have species restrictions. Please contact your airline prior to travel to be certain your animal is allowed.
Although some airlines may not require a CVI for animals traveling in the cabin, the state of Alaska requires all animals imported into Alaska to have a CVI issued by a licensed and accredited veterinarian. This includes animals that travel with the owner in the cabin, regardless of airline policy.
CVIs are valid for 30 days.
Airlines may require a CVI to be issued in a shorter timeframe or require additional certification statements, such as temperature acclimation statements. Confirm your airline's specific requirements before obtaining a CVI.

International Travel, Including Through Canada

In addition to a CVI, other agencies may have requirements for birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals traveling through Canada or originating in another country. Please contact the following agencies for current requirements:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
- Call 1-800-442-2342
Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS)
- Call 1-855-869-8670

Animal Species That Can Legally Be Owned in Alaska

The Alaska Administrative Code 5 AAC 92.029 lists animal species that may be owned without a permit. Some exotic species may not be allowed as pets or may require a permit from ADFG. To determine if the animal you intend to bring to Alaska requires a permit, visit the ADFG website. If the animal you intend to import is not listed, please contact ADFG for further information.

For additional support, please email akcvi@alaska.gov. Note that the akcvi email is not monitored for urgent correspondence. If you have an urgent matter related to animal imports, please contact the Alaska Office of the State Veterinarian at 907-375-8215.

Resources

Alaska Animal Health Regulations

Page last published: 04/21/2026

Division of Environmental Health Office of the State Veterinarian