The function of the wildlife inspection program is to monitor lawfully traded wildlife and assist in halting the illegal wildlife trade. The Service employs approximately 84 uniformed wildlife inspectors at various ports of entry throughout the country. Approximately 30 of the Nation's wildlife inspectors are assigned to ports of entry in Region 1, three being stationed in San Diego . Wildlife inspectors work with Customs and Agricultural inspectors to provide expertise in wildlife law and species identification. In addition to scrutinizing the legality of accompanying permits, wildlife inspectors conduct physical inspections, targeting repeat offenders and checking shipments on a random basis.
Inspectors give priority to processing importation's of live wildlife.
Since the early 1970s, the Service has designated certain ports of entry for the importation and the exportation of wildlife. The concept of designated ports provides a funneling mechanism that consolidates wildlife shipments at a few specific locations to provide efficient service and to reduce the cost to the public. Originally the Service designated eight ports of entry for wildlife shipments. These were New York, Miami, New Orleans, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Honolulu. Five of the Nation's thirteen designated wildlife ports are located in the Pacific Region.