The animal health is one of five sections that is managed and overseen by the Director of Agriculture. It was established by Public Law 10-57 with the purpose of protecting the agricultural and general well-being of the people of the Northern Marianas by preventing the introduction of and further spread of exotic animals, animal diseases, and other pests into and within the CNMI.

It was also established to act as the housing of all imported animals under Public Law 4-55, Section 5321 Sub-Section A thru D as established was defined as a system of animal quarantine, inspection procedure and disease control activities to provide for the sound protection of domestic animals, poultry and birds as well as pet animals.